Who is it for?
Anyone who enjoys being in a calm, relaxed environment that helps uncover strengths and talents, and promotes personal development and wellbeing.

What’s involved?
The session focuses on a range of health and wellbeing topics,
such as relaxation, movement and exercise, focus and concentration, assertiveness, positive thinking and strategies for reducing stress. We also look at other elements, such as healthy lifestyle and breathing exercises, and discover which techniques work best for each student.

What will you learn?
How to control and communicate different feelings and experiences, leading to greater enjoyment of a relaxing session. You’ll learn how to perform a variety of relaxation techniques – there’s a big emphasis on empathy, wellbeing and group work and the encouragement of positive interactions.

Who is it for?
Anyone who enjoys physical exercise on a one-to-one or group basis.

What’s involved?
We tailor an exercise workshop programme for you, based on your needs and availability. Options include fitness classes, use of the gym, basketball and tennis.

What will you learn?
Particular focus on co-ordination and motor skills, communication, strategy and problem solving.  Students get personal choice on what they do, and learn how to look after themselves.

Who is it for?
Students with complex needs, including wheelchair users and those on the autistic spectrum. Every student is assessed to determine their suitability.

What’s involved?
Every session is tailored to the individual and will begin in a calm, relaxed manner with investigation of texture and sound. Personal choice is key, and students are encouraged to gradually make independent choices using their preferred methods of communication. Sounds, scents, colours, musical instruments, lighting and textured objects are used to allow a wide range of sensory experiences. Students use each session to work on individual aims, and develop motor and communication skills with support.

What will you learn?
Sessions are built around meaningful experiences - something as little as moving an eyelid can create movement or music. Each student will benefit in their own way from interactions
and sensations.

Who is it for?
Anyone who wants to learn a wide range of cooking skills in a fun environment.

What’s involved?
The group researches recipes, buys and prepares ingredients, and learns the various cooking techniques involved. There’s always time to taste the food and record the recipes.

What will you learn?
Research, learn and sample recipes – and create delicious food! You will learn about measuring, budgeting and working as part of a team. We also help with catering at various Upmo fundraising events.

Who is it for?
Anyone who enjoys going out with a group to visit new places and get a better understanding of the area in which we live.

What’s involved?
We start by meeting and discussing plans for the day. The group then travels by minibus or public transport to an area for a walk, or to visit a tourist attraction or museum in Edinburgh or surrounding towns. We look to link in with external outdoor education workshops.

What will you learn?
Students will become more independent and get a better understanding of the area in which they live. You’ll also try new experiences and work together as a team to plan outdoor activities.

Who is it for?
Anyone who enjoys getting out and about regardless of the weather!

What’s involved?
Every week, we meet up and discuss our plan for the day. Then it’s outside for a walk or bus ride to our destination. Lots of fresh air, exercise, chat and fun.

What will you learn?
To become better equipped to be more responsible and safe on buses, roads and in the countryside.

Who is it for?
Anyone who enjoys physical exercise and wants to play football.

What’s involved?
Students will get the chance to exercise, play and socialise – in collaboration with Street Soccer Scotland.

What will you learn?
As well as learning new ball skills, you will work in teams to focus on co-ordination and motor skills, communication, strategy and problem solving.

Who is it for?
New or existing students who want to take part in independant living skills at our after-Upmo club. Monday to Thursday from 4pm to 6pm.

What’s involved?
Watching a movie, making some food, and learning some skills to keep us safe before we travel home. All very relaxed and informal, and student-led.

What will you learn?
Activities can help students build social skills, become more confident, develop awareness of health and safety, and encourage independence and responsibility.

Who is it for?
Community gardening has been shown to have a wide range of social, economic and environmental benefits. This workshop is suited to students of all abilities. Over a four-year period, Green Seeds community garden projects have provided placements for students with a variety of needs.

What’s involved?
The content of the community garden session will vary depending on the time of year. Sessions always begin with a social catch up to discuss daily planned tasks. Tasks may include sowing seeds in a poly tunnel, preparing raised beds for transplanting young plants, watering, learning when and how to harvest a crop, and mowing lawns. Advice on the use and preparation of vegetables in meals is incorporated into the session content, helping students contribute to a healthy lifestyle.

What will you learn?
You will be given the opportunity to learn about propagating fruit and vegetables, building a raised bed, caring for developing plants, and safely using tools such as lawn mowers, hoes, spades and other common garden implements.

Who is it for?
This is a mini project in its own right! Our landscaping students are working closely with the Green Seeds team to design and create a garden in our grounds.

What’s involved?
Design, planning and lots of physical activity! The group is currently working on an orchard project – planting and designing the space in line with funding from the building’s owners.

What will you learn?
You’ll learn the importance of co-operation and planning,
and gain a sense of achievement from working together on a
single project.

What is the iMuse?
The iMuse and sensory rooms are new additions to Upmo and were launched in July 2015. There are only a handful of iMuse facilities across the UK. It is a state-of-the-art space that combines sounds, motion, vibration and visual elements into a unique and effective experience. iMuse can be tailored to each user’s needs: for relaxation; to increase movement range and fine motor control; to reduce anxiety; or help with depression or isolation issues. The room consists of a vibrating platform that reacts to certain sounds and can be felt by users, even through standing frames and wheelchairs. Pitch and volume levels can be controlled by facilitators or users.

How does it work?
The room is arranged so each sound made can be reflected on the projected visuals in front of the user. There is also a microphone for more intricate sound use and effects. The displays are fully customisable and can be tailored to each student – there are millions of colour and effect combinations. The motion sensor can also be customised in space, sensitivity and sound. So a blink of the eye can play a bass note, or a head movement can scale the piano. Each student will have their own experience and, following repeat sessions, a profile and plan can be put in place by our skilled iMuse facilitators.

Each 30-minute or 60-minute session includes a dedicated iMuse trained facilitator, who can structure sessions according to need, and manage the sounds and visualisations in response to the user’s attention and aims of the session.

Can anyone use it?
The iMuse facility is available to the whole community.

For enquiries about session rates and bookings contact:

E  info@upmo.org
T  0131 661 4411

Who is it for?
A safe and interactive environment, where the senses can be explored through exciting installations, such as bubble panels and UV blacklights or calming activities, such as relaxing into soft seating with gentle music. Almost everything can be controlled by the student, with a staff member present to guide and encourage exploration and discovery.

What’s involved?
The relaxation elements can prove useful for students, particularly those with high anxiety or epilepsy, as a calm space can reduce the frequency of seizures.

A typical session
Sessions can be adapted to the different needs and favourite activities of the individual but will usually feature a mix of calming and stimulating activities, with the session finishing with something the student finds relaxing. The use of switches to use the devices (such as sound systems and lighting) allow choice and control, as well as allowing opportunities for interaction, turn-taking, concentration building, discovery of new sensations, encouraging movement and fun.