An Immersive Sleep Workshop Gives Patients the Chance to Chill
Workshop attendees lie on bean bags under blankets, gazing up at an immersive dome filled with soft, drifting clouds.
Patients living with cancer were invited to pause, breathe and reconnect at a new wellbeing event held at Devonport’s Market Hall on Friday 24 April.
The three-hour relaxation workshop, delivered by complementary therapists from The Mustard Tree at University Hospitals Plymouth, was designed to support patients who may be struggling with rest and sleep during or after treatment. In a calm and welcoming environment, attendees were guided through simple techniques to help them relax, unwind and improve their overall sense of wellbeing.
The session, held in the immersive dome, brought people together in a friendly and informal setting and offered not just practical tools, but also the chance to connect with others facing similar experiences. For many, that shared understanding can be just as valuable as the techniques themselves.
Mike, who attended the session after undergoing four rounds of chemotherapy, said:
“I do have lots of trouble sleeping and have maybe got into some bad habits during treatment, but today’s session has been so interesting and given me quite a few ideas that I’ll be taking away with me.”
Venita, a complementary therapist from The Mustard Tree, said:
“We all need sleep and know when we don’t get enough. So much can interfere with sleep during cancer treatment, from anxiety and worry to side effects from medication. This is a practical course designed to help patients get better sleep and more of it.”
The workshop concluded with a soothing sound bath led by Carly Sellers, giving participants the opportunity to experience deep relaxation through sound for the first time. The gentle, immersive session provided a calming end to the afternoon and was a highlight for many who attended.
This event was made possible thanks to joint funding from Plymouth Hospitals Charity and Macmillan Cancer Support, reflecting a shared commitment to supporting patients beyond clinical treatment. By working together, both organisations were able to create a space focused on wellbeing, comfort and connection.
Free to attend, the workshop was open to patients with a cancer diagnosis who are under the care of University Hospitals Plymouth. The positive response from attendees means it is hoped this will be the first of a series of similar events, offering ongoing opportunities for patients to access support in a different and meaningful way.
Plymouth Hospitals Charity exists to make a difference to patients, families and staff by funding projects that go beyond what the NHS can provide. Events like this show how that support can have a real and lasting impact helping people feel cared for not just physically, but emotionally too.
If you’d like to help support more projects like this, there are lots of ways you can get involved and help make a difference to your hospitals.