Last years Tech4Good People’s Award winner, HUG™, has gone from strength to strength since winning the award.

HUG™ is the sensory device that brings pleasure and comfort to those living with advanced dementia. It’s designed to be cuddled so that the simulated beating heart that’s built within can help bring calmness to the person using it. It also has an option to play music so can be programmed to play a particular song or playlist, to further help soothe, comfort, and reduce anxiety.

Hug being featured on the BBC One Show

After speaking at a recent event, Jac from HUG™ described winning the award as “catapulting” them into the stratosphere. The exposure from winning the award has helped the team grow the business to the point where there is so much interest, but not enough product, so the team are working hard to meet the demand and get HUG out to as many people as possible.

HUG™ recently featured on BBC’s The One Show, ‘How a hug from this special doll can help with dementia’. In the video, Cathy from HUG™ comments that there has been an “87% increase in wellbeing of those who have been using a HUG™ over a 6-month period.” Users of HUG™ also commented that, “It makes you feel loved, even though it’s just a doll”.

It’s no doubt that HUG™ is a fantastic and much needed product for those living with advanced dementia, and by winning a Tech4Good Award it got the exposure that helped increase supporters and drive awareness. We’re looking forward to seeing HUG™ grow and all the people that it will help.

For anyone wanting to enter this year’s Tech4Good Awards, head over to our page here to find out more.

View the full BBC The One Show segment below: