Volunteers build 'wobble room' for Conquest Hospital staff

The purpose of the room, which was installed on April 30, is for so staff can retreat to 'have a wobble' away from patients.

People Powered UK - a volunteer-led organisation of talented individuals helping relieve stress on healthcare workers - were behind the project.

The volunteers are theatre and events workers, adept at quickly and efficiently providing structures, sourcing equipment and furniture, and finding solutions to problems. People Powered’s assistance has proved to be useful for many NHS Trusts at this time of crisis.

Furniture for the new 'wobble room' was donated by Govia Thameslink Railway and sourced from Emmaus, a local charity providing support to homeless people who opened specially to allow the coffee tables to be collected.

Tea, coffee, kettles, milk pods, fairy lights and speakers were donated by Brighton-based production company We Make Stuff Happen, who are part of People Powered and overseeing operations across the South Coast area.

Hastings resident Tanya Cumming, who has a personal connection to the hospital, also donated items to make the space a pleasant place to spend time, including the artificial flowers from her wedding and a vase to display them, candle holders, and lamps.

The room also contains a number of items specially donated by local artists.

Another wobble room is planned for Eastbourne District General Hospital, with other Trusts and hospitals encouraged to get in touch if this is something they would like People Powered’s help to create.

Tanya Cumming, who donated her wedding flowers for the project, said: "The hospital meant a lot to me before Covid-19, as my nan used to volunteer in the shop there. Even since the refurb, I still smile at my memories of her and how highly she spoke of it. So to be able to do something, no matter how small, means the world to me."

Nicky Anslow, Head of Capacity and Flow and her A&E Team said: “People Powered has been absolutely great.

"We’re totally amazed at how they have put together furnishing donations from the community – it is heart-warming and has made our A&E staff feel so supported.

"It actually makes a huge difference to how we cope – knowing that the community are there – this wouldn’t have happened without People Powered – we can’t thank them enough."