A new roadshow by SymmetriKit and The Helping Hand Company, part of Sunrise Medical, has launched, which aims to tackle the numerous challenges occupational therapists (OTs) face when specifying clinical seating and sleep products for their patients.

From accurately assessing needs and customising solutions to staying updated with the latest assistive technologies, the Clinical Seating and Sleep Roadshow is designed to address these issues head-on, providing valuable insights and practical solutions to enhance occupational therapy practices.

The event will see The Helping Hand Company and SymmetriKit team of 20 experts tour 14 locations across the UK from 25 February to 10 April 2025. It will provide essential training on the fundamentals of seating, postural management, and prescription selection, as well as key concepts of postural care and practical solutions for managing the lying position effectively.

Furthermore, it will showcase the company’s latest advancements in mobility support products, featuring the debut of three innovations: the SymmetriSeat 50, the SymmetriSleep, and the EZY-FIT Raised Toilet Seat.

The SymmetriSeat 50 and the EZY-FIT Raised Toilet Seat were first unveiled to OTs at the OT Show 2024.

The SymmetriSeat50 is an innovative postural support chair designed to meet the diverse needs of patients across all age groups, weights, and conditions. This chair aims to strike the balance between providing optimal support and requiring minimal adjustments. Notably, it also supports efficient hospital discharges, reducing bed blocking and aiding smoother transitions into community care.

With an overall width of 741mm, it can fit through standard 30-inch doors. Key features include durable PU covers with infection control, breathability, and easy wipe-down maintenance. The seat offers adjustable postural support, which is essential for users with spinal issues, and incorporates memory foam for passive therapy and Immersive Comfort technology.

The chair is also highly manoeuvrable, with four sets of 100mm braked casters, a well-positioned handle, and locks for both tilt and recline features, ensuring smooth movement over challenging surfaces like carpets and stable support in reclined positions.

According to SymmetriKit, OTs have praised the SymmetriSeat50, noting that its cushions are significantly more comfortable than typical hospital chairs.

Another debutant, the SymmetriSleep, is designed to revolutionise 24-hour postural care. It provides movement challenges for users, teaching them to lie straight and preventing or improving body shape distortions.

It has received praise from OTs, the company highlights, as part of the comprehensive 24-hour Postural Care Programme, involving the use of appropriate techniques and equipment to support an individual’s posture throughout a 24-hour period, whether lying, sitting, or standing. Serving as both a treatment and a preventative measure, it enables clinicians to optimise function and minimise postural deterioration in individuals with complex movement disorders.

The EZY-FIT Raised Toilet Seat is another highlight of the roadshow. This product is adjustable to two, four, or six inches, making it adaptable for any user. It features suction feet to prevent slips and ensure easy installation, supports weights up to 200kg, and includes an optional easy-to-close lid for added privacy and cleanliness.

Chris Isherwood, General Manager at The Helping Hand Company, said: “These new products are a great testament to Helping Hand’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with mobility challenges.

“Thanks to all the team’s hard work, we can continue to innovate and provide solutions that are both practical and user-friendly. The SymmetriSeat50 and EZY-FIT seat are both amazing products, and we are excited to show them off to the industry at the upcoming roadshow.”

OTs are encouraged to attend the Clinical Seating and Sleep Roadshow to enhance their skills and improve the lives of their patients. Registration is now open on The Helping Hand Company website.

Dates and locations:

• Birmingham, 25 February 2025
• Bristol, 26 February 2025
• Exeter, 5 March 2025
• London North, 11 March 2025
• London South, 12 March 2025
• Colchester, 13 March 2025
• Brighton, 18 March 2025
• Reading, 19 March 2025
• Durham, 26 March 2025
• Leeds, 27 March 2025
• Glasgow, 2 April 2025
• Preston, 3 April 2025
• Nottingham, 9 April 2025
• Wolverhampton, 10 April 2025