In December 2023, UWE Bristol co-hosted an event with Cardiff Metropolitan University, Gwent Regional Partnership Board, HUG by LAUGH, and Life Sciences Hub Wales. The event at the Senedd Welsh Parliament highlighted the success of the HUG, an assistive technology designed to support people’s wellbeing. The event also discussed the next steps for HUG and other assistive technology throughout our health and care system.
Harnessing the power and potential of assistive technology, HUGs are soft, weighted comforters designed to feel like a real hug. With a simulated heartbeat and personalised music, the physical contact and sensory stimulation from the HUG helps the user to feel comforted and reassured.
The HUG was initially created as part of Professor Cathy Treadaway’s AHRC-funded LAUGH research project at Cardiff Metropolitan University, with subsequent research by Dr Jac Fennell at UWE Bristol.
Focusing on the importance of sensory stimulation, the original HUG prototype was designed for someone with dementia in end-of-life care. The results showed benefits to her wellbeing and a reduction in anxiety and agitation. A larger Welsh Government-funded study, LAUGH EMPOWERED, saw the HUGs distributed in nursing homes and hospitals. After 6 months, there was an 87% increase in users well-being from using the HUG.
New research trialled across the Gwent region in 2022 found benefits of using HUGs beyond dementia; to support people with learning disabilities, mental health, autism and school children. At the event, case studies from this trial were shared to, an audience of health professionals, experts by experience, charities, academics and government. They heard about the positive impact HUGs are having through stories from the people using them. This was followed by a discussion around the future of assistive technology to support care, bringing to light ways we can make best use of AT and how we might drive the agenda forward.
Hear from those who have benefitted from the HUG:
Read the full summary of this fantastic event on the Life Sciences Hub Wales blog.
The event was supported by an Arts & Humanities Research Council Impact Accelerator Award.