Sensory Project · Communities of Practice
Learning that lasts beyond the classroom
Therapeutic confidence does not arrive all at once. It develops through practice, reflection, connection and opportunities to think alongside other people. Our Communities of Practice create spaces where learning can keep growing after a course, workshop or formal programme has finished.
Why community matters
Learning with and from one another
Communities of Practice support the movement from knowing about sensory integration to using knowledge thoughtfully in complex, everyday situations. They make room for questions, shared reflection, research, practical experience and the uncertainty that is part of developing practice.
People can bring what is working, what feels difficult, new ideas and practice dilemmas. The aim is not to arrive with the answer. It is to have a trusted community in which to keep learning.
Live reflection
Facilitated discussion around practice themes, current questions and meaningful participation.
Protected community
Ongoing member spaces for connection, resources and thoughtful conversation between live sessions.
Research and practice
Opportunities to consider current evidence alongside the realities of services, relationships and everyday life.
Growing over time
A continuing place to strengthen clinical reasoning, confidence, language and shared capability.
Who the communities are for
Different roles, settings and stages of learning
Our communities include occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, psychologists, educators and wider health, social care and education colleagues where the focus of the group fits their practice.
Across services and the lifespan
Members connect from schools, learning disability services, mental health, perinatal care, forensic and secure services, private practice, eating and feeding work, and other areas where sensory experience and participation matter.
Across experience levels
Some people are beginning to explore sensory integration. Others are developing advanced or specialist practice. Individual group pages explain the focus and intended membership of each community.
Explore the new pages
Communities of Practice and Special Interest Groups
Coffee & Chat is our wider Community of Practice. The Special Interest Groups create more focused spaces around shared areas of practice. Select a card to read about the group before considering membership.
Coffee & Chat
Our wider community gathering for connection, questions, shared learning and staying part of the conversation.
Forensic, Prisons & Secure Services
Sensory informed practice across forensic, prison and secure services, with dignity and participation at the centre.
Private Practice
Reflection and connection for people working independently or developing private sensory informed services.
Learning Disabilities
Sensory informed support across health, social care, education, community and residential settings.
Mental Health
Embodied, sensory rooted and participation focused practice across adult mental health services.
Perinatal
Sensory experience, early relationships, infant regulation and participation across the perinatal period.
Schools
Connecting sensory science with learning, relationships, environments and participation in school life.
ARFID & Eating Differences
Sensory experience, interoception, relationships and participation around food and eating.
CAMHS
A developing community for sensory informed child and adolescent mental health practice.
Older Adults
A developing community around ageing, neurological change, environments, relationships and participation.
Neuro Rehab
A developing community for sensory informed neurological rehabilitation and participation.
Membership access
Membership first, then choose your communities
The public pages allow you to understand the purpose and focus of each group. The group products in the shop are member-only items used to add a Community of Practice or Special Interest Group to an active, eligible membership.
Explore the groups
Read the public Community Practice pages and find the focus that fits your role or area of interest.
Choose membership
Join through the new Sensory Project membership offer and choose an eligible membership level.
Add your community
Once membership is active, use the member-only shop item to add the community to your account.
Open your dashboard
Use your dashboard to access the protected group space and current member information.
What members may gain
Reflection, connection and practical development
Frequently asked questions
A few useful things to know
What is a Community of Practice?
Do I need to be qualified in Ayres’ Sensory Integration?
Is this supervision?
Can the reflection contribute to my CPD?
Can professionals other than occupational therapists join?
What happens if my membership lapses?
Continue the journey
Find the community that fits your practice
Begin with the overview page, explore the group pages and then consider membership. You do not need to decide from a shop tile alone.