Happiness Programme Brings Joy and Engagement to Patients

At Quinte Health, innovative approaches to patient care are always a priority. One of the newest additions making a significant impact is the Happiness Programme, an interactive projector system developed by UK company Social-Ability that brings therapeutic experiences to patients.

By using colourful visuals and engaging content, the system provides emotional, cognitive, and physical benefits. Recreation Therapist Rebecca Spencer is leading the charge in implementing this program on the Behavioural Supports Transition Unit (BSTU) and the Sills 5 Inpatient Mental Health Unit, with remarkable results.

The Happiness Programme projects interactive games and activities onto a surface, allowing patients to engage through simple hand movements. The system helps reduce stress, stimulate cognition, encourage movement, foster social interaction, and provide a positive distraction from pain and discomfort. The adaptable nature of the program allows for personalized experiences, catering to individual patient needs.

Rebecca has observed transformative effects, particularly with dementia patients on the BSTU. “I had the opportunity to use the Happiness Programme with a patient who typically refrained from participating in activities. The interactive games broke through their usual barriers, encouraging them to engage in a way I hadn’t witnessed before. I was truly amazed by the level of engagement it elicited.” Popular BSTU activities include bubble popping, horse races, painting, and soothing visuals like cloud watching and fireworks, which help create a calming environment.

To create a calming environment, the Happiness Programme projector can cast a fireworks display onto surfaces. The BSTU patients enjoy watching the bright bursts of light and colour.

Similarly, mental health inpatients on Sills 5 have shown great enthusiasm for the program. “It creates a buzz in the room, sparking conversations and a positive atmosphere, which has been both unexpected and heartwarming,” said Rebecca. Patients particularly enjoy games like air hockey, foosball, whack-a-mole, and reaction-based challenges, which foster engagement and social interaction.

Rebecca emphasized that the Happiness Programme is not a one-size-fits-all tool—it can be tailored in terms of volume, brightness, environment, and activity type to match patient needs. This adaptability ensures that both dementia patients and mental health inpatients benefit from meaningful and enjoyable interactions.

The introduction of the Happiness Programme at Quinte Health has already led to increased patient engagement, enhanced mood, and greater staff support. “Seeing patients smile, interact, and express joy in ways they hadn’t before is incredibly rewarding,” Rebecca said. “It’s more than just technology—it’s a way to bring light, comfort, and connection to our patients.”

As Quinte Health continues to explore innovative approaches to care, the Happiness Programme stands out as a powerful tool for improving patient experiences, fostering connection, and promoting overall well-being.

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