Trekstock launches new hospital Sanctuary Room
Together with our partners at UCLH and the Jane Goodman Charitable Trust, Trekstock have launched our flagship Sanctuary Room in London
We're proud to announce the opening of the Jane Goodman Sanctuary Room at University College London Hospital (UCLH). This dedicated wellbeing space for young adult cancer patients is the first of its kind in the UK. It was made possible through the generosity of The Jane Goodman Charitable Trust, UCLH Charity, and Trekstock, as well as the team at Llewelyn Davies.
“In our Oncology service, we are committed to delivering the highest standard of care to our patients and their loved ones. Having an environment that promotes emotional wellbeing is such a vital part of what we aspire to achieve every day. The Trekstock Wellbeing Room will transform the experience of our patients and their families and particularly support our young adults during their treatment.” - Simon Waller, Oncology Matron at UCLH
A Space to Breathe
When you're in your 20s, 30s or 40s and facing a cancer diagnosis, the hospital can feel like a world that wasn't built for you. Wards designed with older patients in mind, clinical environments that offer little respite, and a profound sense of isolation from the life you had before. It's a gap that Trekstock has long been determined to close, and this month, we took a significant step forward.
Filling a Gap That's Long Existed
Many UK hospitals have specialist spaces for children and teenagers navigating cancer. But for those aged 25 and over, that age-appropriate support largely disappears. You're treated as a general adult patient, in general adult spaces, often surrounded by people at a very different life stage. The emotional and psychological toll of that invisibility is something we hear about time and again from our community.
The Sanctuary Room changes that. Located on T13N (UCLH's Young Adult ward) it gives patients in their 20s, 30s and 40s somewhere to decompress, spend time with loved ones, and find a moment of normality during one of the hardest periods of their lives.
Designed Around Real Experiences
Every detail of the room has been shaped by the people who needed it most. We consulted with the people we support throughout the design process, resulting in a space that feels deliberately unlike a hospital. Warm wood panelling, soft and adjustable lighting, cocooning non-angular seating, and carefully chosen fabrics create an atmosphere of comfort and calm. The very antithesis of a clinical ward.
"I'd like a natural and homely space - being comfortable is such a challenge when you spend long stretches in hospital beds." - Ellen, Community Member
Practicalities haven't been overlooked either. All materials carry antimicrobial properties to protect the delicate immune systems of those undergoing treatment, and the space is fully wheelchair accessible.
A Gateway to Trekstock's Support
As well as being a retreat from the ward, the sanctuary room is also a portal to more support from Trekstock. Patients will be able to access a full range of free services directly from the space, including online exercise programmes, information on Meet & Move sessions, our Food + Cancer nutrition guide, and peer-to-peer support that connects them with others who truly understand what they're going through.
For many, an inpatient stay will be their first encounter with Trekstock. The Sanctuary Room is designed to make that introduction feel natural, welcoming, and lasting.
The First of Many
This room is a blueprint, not a one-off. Trekstock's ambition is to see similar spaces established in hospitals across the country, working in partnership with corporate supporters such as Fujifilm UK and advocates within the NHS.
"If only this crucial space existed when I was supporting my youngest son through a cancer journey at 21. There are not enough places where individuals and families can go to heal." - Parent
Now, thanks to this collaboration, there is one more.
We would like to extend a huge thank you to the Trustees of The Jane Goodman Charitable Trust for their support, along with the wonderful people at Dunelm, The Do Book Co, The School of Life and TONIC London whose generous contributions have helped make the sanctuary room truly special.
This room is accessible on T13N at University College London Hospital at 235 Euston Rd, London NW1 2BU. For more info please contact hello@trekstock.com.
Photos by Denise Senneca, at Fujifilm UK.
