Jake’s immersive sensory storytelling experience
Creativity, connection and choice are at the heart of everything that happens at The Third Space in Brighton.
The community hub offers a wide range of activities for adults with learning disabilities and autism, including sensory stories, adapted sports, arts and crafts, cooking sessions and social groups.
Leading many of these activities is Activities Co-ordinator Jake Shilson.
Jake joined Achieve together seven years ago and has spent the past three years supporting people with profound and multiple learning disabilities in Brighton. Today, he designs and delivers activities that focus on what matters most to each individual.
One of his most popular programmes is Space Voyages, an immersive sensory storytelling experience that transforms participants into the crew of a spacecraft exploring new worlds. Using interactive props, soundscapes, tactile materials and movement, each session creates opportunities for people to explore, communicate and make choices in their own way. Props are often created using recycled materials and second-hand items. Jake specifically designs the stories to be nonlinear, allowing him to adapt each session and dip in and out of the story depending on the day and the people he is supporting.
Alongside sensory stories, Jake delivers adapted sports activities, sensory baking sessions, independent cooking workshops and weekly social groups, helping people build confidence, skills and friendships.
“Every person engages differently,” says Jake. “Our role is to create opportunities that work for them, not the other way around.”
Whether people choose to jump into every activity or simply observe and enjoy the atmosphere, The Third Space is designed to be a welcoming, inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
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