News

In the previous blog post we looked at ways in which careful furniture design can help to minimize the potential harm caused by challenging behaviours such as aggression and self-harm in mental health or learning disability environments. In this month’s blog we will conclude our look at the specifics of challenging behaviour with a focus […]

The phrases ‘challenging behaviour’ or ‘challenging environments’ are very familiar to anyone working in the field of mental health or learning disability care, or as suppliers of specialist products to this field. However, although at first glance it may appear that challenging behaviours are a very straightforward thing to define, in practice there is quite […]

Ensuring that all members of a community have safe spots in which to relax is one aspect of long-term behavioural management. Successful selection of lounge furniture for challenging behaviours involves balancing both comfort and safety, although these tend to go hand-in-hand.

Mental health furniture for communal areas needs to be supportive spaces that put individuals at ease. These rooms must be both soothing and uplifting, with a similar sense of comfort and security as one may find at home. Because they can be spaces for engagement with others or for taking a brief pause, mental health […]

As vital as food and meal preparation are to life, kitchens could be potentially dangerous environments for mental health patients. When considering residential furniture for challenging behaviour as well as the relationship between the physical environment and mental health, careful consideration must be given to kitchen units.

  Furniture for mental health settings must meet a number of important requirements for safety and functionality in challenging mental health environments. They must be comfortable, durable, and contribute to an atmosphere that promotes tranquillity, thoughtfulness, and hope. Mental health furniture meant to be used in areas where specific activities are to be engaged in must meet […]

  For heavy-duty mental health furniture, it has long been believed that outdoor spaces and mental health are linked. For example, taking a moment to enjoy the soothing sounds of nature and taking in a breath of fresh air can do wonders for how you feel. Furthermore, experiences like lounging in the sunshine in a […]

A bedroom is a place where individuals should feel comfortable, relaxed – and above all else – safe. Many Service users will be placed in a situation that is confusing, and even intimidating – leading to a heightened sense of unrest and unease. That’s why those involved in the design or refurbishment of a mental […]

When users that self-harm or have attempted suicide are admitted into mental health facilities, they may be looking for a way to harm themselves again. This could be on anything within their surroundings – including fixtures and fittings, furniture, handles. This blog will explore how to reduce ligature risks in mental health environments. To make […]

Specifying mental health furniture for challenging environments can be hard as there are so many requirements. Service users can be demanding in their needs for furniture that is strong, safe, secure and easy to clean. This blog takes a look at the 5 reasons why specifying mental health furniture is essential for service users’ safety […]

The need for specialist furniture in mental health facilities has led Tough Furniture to develop a comprehensive range of anti-ligature TV cabinets.   This post aims to explore the importance of correct specification in mental health environments and looks at the key features that go in to producing anti-ligature TV cabinets.    Why Anti-Ligature TV Cabinets?  The core aim of a […]

Now more than ever, hygiene and cleaning is a priority for all, environments need to be spotless to help prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses. This has been highlighted by the Coronavirus pandemic and the protocols that are being followed to keep people safe. This blog has been written to give you insight on […]

When specifying furniture for mental health environments it’s important that the items are chosen to meet the specific needs of those with challenging behaviours. This is not only to keep the individual themselves safe but also to ensure the safety of family members, care and support staff.  This blog looks at what qualifies as a […]

  Mental health care furniture has a different performance level compared to ordinary furniture. It not only has to withstand the strains that come with challenging behaviours, but also the regulations in place for mental health units. This blog aims to set out the key benefits of furniture for mental health facilities and people with […]

The recent trend of biophilic design within modern architecture has rightly been seen as a way of ‘bringing the outside in,’ improving visual aesthetics and helping people feel at one with nature, even when they’re inside. And in the mental health sector, it appears that the principle of biophilia may have even more applicability, as […]

Vince has been with the company for thirteen years as the specialist operator of our edgebanding machine, but out of working hours he’s been making a name for himself as the drummer in Telford-based band, Ruffnecks. Having started touring in January 2018 the group is going strong and rocking the scene wherever they go. Covering […]

Everyone at Tough Furniture was very pleased to hear recently that one of our long-standing customers, Mayfield Children’s Home in East Sussex had received its third Outstanding report from Ofsted in 4 years, and even more impressively had received a report that included no recommendations or requirements at all. Having worked with Mayfield for over […]

March was an exciting month for all at Tough Furniture, as we received a visit from local BBC journalist Genevieve Tudor to record a three part series of short radio broadcasts about the company. The excerpts were broadcast from 18th March to 20th, and hopefully gave the listeners a good insight into who we are […]

It’s been a busy couple of months for Tough Furniture founder David Vesty, as he and our Production Director Stuart Briscoe have attended two Design in Mental Health Network workshops recently. DiMHN is a social enterprise organisation which brings together anyone with an interest in the design of mental health facilities – from architects to […]