At Martlets, as well as providing expert clinical care, we understand that your overall wellbeing is vitally important. That’s why we offer and wellbeing activities to both our patients and their loved ones too. These vary throughout the year and may include soundbaths, mindfulness, seated yoga and non-sleep deep rest. Sessions help manage symptoms and medication side effects and enhance overall wellbeing.

We also host a variety of social and creative groups for patients, families, and carers. These include our popular coffee mornings, Life Writing, Creative Art groups, and our Good Vibrations Choir. Our social groups are a great way to have fun, meet people and stay connected, and our focus is on relaxation and immersive activities. 

We host events face-to-face (at Martlets and other local venues) and via Zoom video link. To find out more about our social groups and wellbeing activities please contact Ann Borg, wellbeing services manager at Martlets: ann.borg@martlets.org.uk or wellbeing@martlets.org.uk. Ann can advise on where and when the sessions are taking place.

Our social groups and wellbeing activities include: 

Relaxation and Mindfulness (20–25 mins via Zoom) 

A gentle meditation to reconnect you to your breath and bring a gentle awareness to your body. This session can be deeply relaxing and will help you release tension, leading to a sense of calm and wellbeing. 

Move, Breathe, Relax (1 hour) 

Simple movement and relaxation techniques – seated gentle movement and stretching; breathwork to help let go of tension; and relaxation, including non-sleep deep rest (NSDR), to reduce stress and increase wellbeing.  

Therapeutic Soundbath (50 minutes) 

Relax on a reflexology chair which reclines slightly and allow the beautiful sounds and tones of gongs, Himalayan singing bowls, crystal singing bowls, rain sticks and other therapeutic percussion instruments to wash over you. Soundbaths induce a state of deep relaxation and allow you to rest, reducing the stress hormone, cortisone, and lowering blood pressure and heart rate. Blankets and pillows are provided. Led by Ruth Summers. 

Coffee Afternoon (2 hours) 

Come along, relax and have fun at our regular Wednesday social sessions – we are a friendly and welcoming group. Sessions include activities led by professionals including aromatherapy workshops, social history speakers, folk storytelling, flower arranging, music through the decades with reminiscence, and occasional trips to local gardens for a gentle walk and a chat over a cup of coffee and cake. Our activities have a gentle pace and our emphasis is on relaxation and socialising.  

Creative Art (1.5–2 hours) 

Switch off, relax and immerse yourself in the art activity for the session. You might be invited to look at van Gogh‘s sunflower paintings and and then paint your own on a clay surface. Or learn about an art technique such as Pointillism and then try it out. No previous experience of drawing or painting is required and all necessary art materials are provided. These sessions are a gentle opportunity to meet and chat, but also to find moments of stillness in creativity – creating something personal can feel satisfying and rewarding. Led by Carol Beaty. 

Life Writing (2 hours) 

No previous writing experience is necessary to take part in this supportive and friendly writing group, so why not give it a try? Each week you will have a choice of themes to write about – perhaps the food you love and why, your memories of someone special, or even a description of your local neighbourhood from the point of view of a hedgehog or fox! Our aim is to give you time to slow down, relax and become completely immersed in the writing activity. There is no pressure to finish your writing during the session and you may like to continue outside of the group. Led by Jon Mason. 

‘My Journey’ Spiritual Group (2 hours) 

In an informal and relaxed setting, we reflect on what spirituality means to you and on what you feel is important. The group is open to people of all faiths and those who do not have a faith. Each week we focus on a different topic such as connecting with spirituality through music and nature, how we find a sense of meaning, dealing with uncertainty and change, and finding joy and gratitude. Led by Ann Borg and Revd Vlada Rakin, our spiritual care lead and chaplain. 

Martlets’ Good Vibrations Choir    

Our friendly, welcoming Choir sings a range of songs from across the decades, such as Unchained Melody, Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah and Cyndi Lauper’s True Colours along with songs from the musicals, like Seasons of Love and Pie Jesu. You do not need to have any experience of singing or be able to read music. Members are welcome to just come along and sing at our weekly rehearsals on Tuesday evenings, run by musical director, Aneesa Chaudhry, and Ann Borg. BBC Radio 4 - Just One Thing - with Michael Mosley - Why singing is good for your body and mind 

Relaxation #1 – a guided walk (20–30 mins, via Zoom)  

*Not taking place during the summer months*  

Our therapists Helen and Anne will take you on a guided journey in nature – perhaps through a forest or along a beach. You can be seated in a comfortable chair or lying down. We invite you to close your eyes and listen to the vivid descriptions of sights, sounds and scents which bring the journey alive. Immerse yourself in a calming sensory experience. 

Relaxation #2 – a guided walk with the gentle sounds of the percussive RAV drum (20–30 mins, via Zoom) 

*Not taking place during the summer months*  

Ruth will take you on a guided journey into nature and play the RAV drum at intervals along the way, which makes a soothing and mellow sound. These sessions can be deeply relaxing and induce a sense of calm and wellbeing. 

Non-Sleep Deep Rest also known as Yoga Nidra (30 mins, via Zoom)  

*Not taking place during summer months* 

NSDR, or Non-Sleep Deep Rest, is a relaxation technique. It can help us feel refreshed and may improve the quality of our sleep. At its most basic level it is just a chance to 'switch off' for a short period. There is no movement involved. Lying on a bed or a sofa is a great way to experience NSDR – use cushions and blankets to get cosy and comfortable. Therapist Anne Caborn will gently guide you. This might include bringing your awareness to different parts of the body – imagining colours and shapes, a lovely location, or restful image. She might also invite you to set a small 'intention' designed to help you feel good. The idea is simply to take a break and let the voice you hear help you recharge your batteries.