Fostering Mental Health and Wellbeing
Research & Development in Welfare Technologies
SENSE-GARDEN ASSOCIATION
The first SENSE-GARDEN project (AAL/Call2016/054-b/2017, implementation period June 2017 - November 2020) was funded by AAL Programme, co-funded by the European Commission and National Funding Authorities of Norway, Belgium, Romania, and Portugal. Since then, several Research & Development projects have been developed in the context of SENSE-GARDEN.
Currently, the non-profit SENSE-GARDEN Association has more than 100 members distributed all over Europe. Initially specialized in assiting people living with neurocognitive disorders, the association has extended its scope in the last years to keep improving people's lives, promoting mental health and well-being through individualized immersive spaces and various programs.
There are SENSE-GARDEN Centers in daily operation in Belgium, Norway, Portugal, Romania, and the Netherlands.
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GO TO THE CENTERS' WEBSITE
Research Network
We are a multidisciplinary organization focused on new approaches to Mental Health and Wellbeing. We have a network with both academic, non-profit, and commercial partners, focused on fostering Research & Development projects to improve people's lives through innovative technology and cutting-edge therapeutic approaches. We operate in several European countries and also collaborate with research and educational institutions, such as the Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and the
Faculty of Technology and Science and the BeWell Center of University Camilo José Cela in Madrid, Spain.
Mental Health Technologies
Education in Digital Sense Stimulation and Virtual Welfare Technology for Mental Health Professionals
The SENSE-GARDEN Association is collaborating with AOF, Lister Competence, Ryfylke IKS and the Odda municipality in Norway to develop an educational program that focuses on sense stimulation aimed at habilitation and rehabilitation of children, young people, adults and elderly. Sensory stimulation through the use of images, light, interactive activities, sound and scent has proven to have a positive effect on communication ability, sleep and appetite, as well as reducing anxiety and need for pain relief.
This educational program for professionals of mental health deals with topics such as ethics, communication, interaction, sensory understanding and sense stimulation, habilitation and rehabilitation processes, digital and virtual competence and welfare technology.
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Education in Mental Health Technologies for NTNU Students
We offer different lectures, workshops and mentorship at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology as part of the program "Innovative
Societies with Virtual Reality and Robots: The Future of Welfare Technology", included in the EiT Master Degree. The use of innovative technological tools in the context of Mental Health is one of our areas of expertise. Part of this educational program takes place in our Metaverse Campus, where we have been developing educational and research programs in collaboration with worldwide universities for years.
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Virtual Therapy at Home
In addition to the physical immersive spaces, we have developed technological solutions both for receiving immersive therapy at home and for teaching professionals in virtual environments.
A portable SENSE-GARDEN can create the sensory experiences at home, only requiring a common TV and the SENSE-GARDEN Box especially designed to be used in a smaller space.
We have also created the first Mental Health and Well-being Center of the Metaverse, SENSE-GARDEN VR, in order to explore the potential of virtual worlds in providing therapeutic and coping mechanisms to young people dealing with anxiety or depression.
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Consciousness Studies and Cognitive Science
The European Institute of Consciousness Research is an initiative under the umbrella of SENSE-GARDEN, and serves as the academic backbone for implementing educational programs centered on contemplative practices. This institute is dedicated to fostering a comprehensive understanding of non-ordinary states of consciousness through various academic endeavors. It stands at the forefront of developing and guiding research and educational projects that delve into these unique states of mind, offering insights into the vast landscape of human consciousness.
Key to our institute's mission is the promotion and dissemination of meditation and other salutogenic practices. These practices are not just seen as tools for personal wellbeing but as gateways to a deeper comprehension of human consciousness. The institute recognizes the therapeutic potential of these practices in enhancing mental health and overall quality of life.
Our institute's scope of interest spans a wide spectrum within the cognitive sciences and consciousness studies, embracing an interdisciplinary approach. We integrate disciplines as diverse as phenomenology, wellness technologies, and anthropology. This breadth of focus allows for a rich and multifaceted exploration of consciousness, providing a holistic view that encompasses not just the scientific aspects, but also the experiential, cultural, and philosophical dimensions. In essence, the European Institute of Consciousness Research aims to be a beacon in the study and understanding of consciousness, contributing significantly to the field through its innovative research, educational programs, and public outreach activities.
Our goal is to create a dialogue between various disciplines, fostering an environment where different perspectives on consciousness can coalesce, leading to humble advancements in our understanding of human mind and how to apply this knowledge in improving our wellbeing.
GO TO the INSTITUTE WEBSITE
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info@sense-garden.eu
+47 9668 3435
