HUG® has been the feature of a short film, produced by the BBC. Reporter Colette Hume has been following the development of HUG® over the last few months, from production of 40 HUGs® by a self-reliant sewing group in Port Talbot, to the trial of 20 HUGs® with residents at Sunrise of Cardiff. The film shares this journey and the story of Margaret, a resident of Sunrise of Cardiff, and her daughter Alison.
HUG by LAUGH® was selected for the final in the Outstanding Dementia Care Product 2018 category at the National Dementia Care Awards 2018.
HUG by LAUGH® was nominated by staff from Llys Y Seren, Pobl: Gwalia Care & Support in Port Talbot.
Professor Treadaway said: “We are delighted to have been nominated for this award and to have reached the finals of the competition. The design for HUG was developed from our AHRC research partnership with Pobl Gwalia Care and Support and we acknowledge the important support of residents, staff and management that enabled the design research to take place.”
Developing HUG we've met some amazing people along the way. They have been so excited by the potential benefits of HUG that they gave us these kind words to share with you...
As a person affected by dementia, I fully endorse HUG. I really want a HUG..... everybody needs a HUG!
Alzheimer's Society Ambassador
HUG is a comfort for Mum. Wherever Mum goes, HUG will go. There is a strong attachment and emotional bond.
Family carer & supporter of HUG
This sweet, simple and effective product touches the heart, very tactile and believable. What greater feeling is there than receiving a hug?
Judge's comments, Accelerator Award
The HUG, I don't know what it is, but it has kind of brought her (Mum) back again. The recognition, the smiles, the happiness seems to have come back.
Family Carer
HUG is a great companion for supporting the well-being of people affected by more advanced dementia, especially those with emotional needs for comfort and security.
Dementia Pal Ltd
Using the HUG has been an effective way of helping our residents feel secure and loved, it has been amazing to see the smiles that a HUG can bring.
Sunrise Senior Living
HUG features in Advances Magazine, published by Welsh Government. Read the full article here.
HUG® has been informed by many years of design research at Cardiff Metropolitan University, led by Professor Cathy Treadaway. This research, called the LAUGH project, is published internationally and is considered world leading in the field of design for advanced dementia (see www.laughproject.info/publications).
HUG by LAUGH ltd. is a spin out company from Cardiff Metropolitan University. The founding members are researchers from the LAUGH project and the CARIAD research group. The company is founded on eight years of design research led by Prof Treadaway which is published internationally and is considered world leading in the field of design for advanced dementia. Our value is not only in the HUG® product that we have developed, but also the underpinning research and Compassionate Design approach developed by Prof Treadaway.
Managing Director
Jac is a Product Designer and Researcher. She is a graduate of the Royal College of Art and gained real-world industry experience working in the R & D labs for Hewlett-Packard and Philips, and as a design consultant for IDEO and MIT MediaLab.
Research Director
Cathy is Professor at Cardiff Metropolitan University and lead investigator for the LAUGH research. Prior to her return to academia in 2003, she ran a successful design consultancy for 17 years selling work globally.
Techincal Director
Aidan has a background in creative practice and electronics, and has worked in product development, technical manufacturing and production at Model Electronics. He has a long affiliation with ‘Maker Movement’ and community arts initiatives.
