AN innovative piece of technology is being trialled by the council to boost the well-being of those with cognitive challenges.

The Happiness Programme, an interactive light technology, has been benefiting users at Stephenson’s Resource Centre in Rainhill for the past few months.

This centre is one of three in the borough that support 87 adults aged 19 and over with learning disabilities and additional needs.

The technology, a first-of-its-kind, uses an interactive projector to cast light onto a surface.

When service users move their hands, arms, or feet through the light, it triggers changes in the projected games, which range from painting pictures and brushing leaves to popping bubbles and playing tennis.

The aim is to provide meaningful activities for people in care homes and care settings.

This initiative comes ahead of St Helens Borough Council's new adult social care strategy for 2024-27, which aims to help people live healthier and happier lives.

Currently, 38,500 older adults in St Helens receive support from the local authority, whether to live independently or with dementia and long-term needs care.

Most of the council's budget is spent on social care each year.

The new strategy, titled Enabling People to Live Healthier, Happier Lives (Adult Social Care Strategy 2024 - 2027), was formed based on input from more than 300 people across the borough, including service users, carers, staff, and members of the public.

It outlines ambitious key pledges and new practice models to form a strength-based approach to the highly in-demand service.

Councillor Andy Bowden, cabinet member for integrated health and social care at St Helens Borough Council, said: "Day Opportunities is one of a number of council services making a difference to many lives in adult social care, with a number of fun activities and employment opportunities open to people with learning disabilities and additional needs.

"It’s warming to see how service users have enjoyed using the Happiness Programme which has proved to be successful in offering safe, meaningful and engaging activity."