At Longley, we are proud to collaborate with libraries to create spaces that prioritise mental health, inclusivity, and community wellbeing. Recent projects at Mottingham and Orpington Libraries demonstrate how thoughtfully designed facilities can provide vital support for neurodivergent individuals, children, and families.

Mottingham Library: The UK’s First Cubbie Sensory Pod

Mottingham Library in Bromley has recently undergone a major refurbishment, becoming the first public library in the UK to offer a Cubbie sensory pod. This dedicated space allows users to take some quiet time out in a relaxing and adaptable environment, further developing the library’s role as a welcoming space for autistic and other neurodivergent residents, as well as those with sensory or cognitive needs.

The library’s upgrades reflect a strong commitment to community wellbeing, incorporating features designed to meet a range of needs:

• Cubbie Sensory Pod: A smart, multi-sensory environment offering instant stress relief and a calming experience, demonstrating a direct commitment to mental wellbeing and neurodivergent support.
• Accessibility: Fully accessible design includes a wheelchair-accessible entrance, accessible toilets, and dedicated staff support, ensuring the library is welcoming to all residents.

Through these enhancements, Mottingham Library exemplifies how public spaces can evolve to support mental health, inclusion, and community engagement.

Orpington Library: Launching a Therapeutic Hub for Families and Children

The second floor of Orpington Library is opening as a new Therapeutic Hub, with staff available to introduce the range of council services involved. The hub brings together Encompass, THRIVE, and Bromley Virtual School services, providing specialist fostering, therapeutic, and educational support for children and families across the borough. By centralising these services in a welcoming library environment, the hub makes accessing essential support easier and more approachable for the community.

In addition, an enhanced sensory room has been added on the ground floor, offering a calm, adaptable space for autistic and other neurodivergent residents. This reinforces the library’s role as an inclusive and supportive environment, meeting the mental health and wellbeing needs of all visitors.

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These projects demonstrate how libraries are evolving beyond traditional roles to become essential community spaces that prioritise mental health, inclusivity, and connected support services. At Longley, we are proud to deliver innovative solutions that make these transformative spaces possible.

Working with Longley has transformed our libraries into inclusive, supportive spaces for the whole community. The installation of the Cubbie sensory pod at Mottingham Library and the new Therapeutic Hub at Orpington Library have provided vital support for autistic residents, neurodivergent users, and families in need of specialist services. Their team understood our vision and delivered innovative solutions that enhance wellbeing, accessibility, and engagement across the borough. These projects are a true testament to how libraries can evolve to meet the mental health and community support needs of today.

Local Council Representative, Bromley Council