We're really proud to be recognised by the Core77 Design Awards for our work in designing and launching the Sound Asleep Club.
The Core77 Awards recognise excellence in all areas of design enterprise accross the globe, celebrating the richness of the design profession as well as the insight and perseverance of its practitioners.
The Sound Asleep Club was inspired by the need and desire to help NHS frontline workers and communities deal with the anxiety, stress and sleepless nights Covid-19 lockdowns created in the UK.
A King's College London research study found that 63% of people said their sleep has been worse since Covid began. It's well known there's a close relationship between sleep and mental health. Living with a mental health problem can affect how well you sleep, and poor sleep can have a negative impact on your mental health.
At thinkpublic we wanted to do something to help others, so Deborah Szebeko, our founder, combined her professional experience of designing healthcare services with her passion for playing the gong and holistic practices. To launch a weekly online sleep sound spas designed to help people deal with the anxieties and pressures of lockdown, providing this free of charge to all NHS frontline workers across the UK. This was the seed that inspired the launch of the new social enterprise aound asleep club in November 2020, focused on helping people unwind their minds before bed and helping to support a natural night's sleep.
We have designed an online community of care where people come together in a supportive environment and learn different holistic practices including breathwork, sound meditation, yoga, qigong, mindfulness and journaling all from the privacy and comfort of their own home. It's been a total pleasure to help put over 2000 people so far to bed, helping them let go of the day and drift off to sleep.
The club has received some amazing feedback:
"Your soothing, calming voice and then the amazing sound of that stunning gong gave me the deepest, most refreshing sleep that I can remember" - Karen
"Thank you for offering this to key workers, encouraging people to schedule time out to meditate, there couldn't be a better thing to do" - Sarah (NHS doctor)
"It was very restful and helpful to distract the mind from the current situation and feel more secure and a great aid to sleep. I really enjoyed the animal meeting part as well" - Emily
Over the summer we've been working with Carers UK to roll the Sound Asleep Club out to carers across the UK, so ensure they have easy access to look after their own mental health and wellbeing.
The Sound Asleep Club has also just been awarded development funding by the National Lottery Community Fund to expand our services and reach.
The Sound Asleep Club will be supporting more charities from September including the Cavernoma Society whom helps people living with a rare form of brain cancer, alongside Exeter City FC Community Trust to reach out to football fans and communities wanting help to unwind their minds before bed.
If you would like get involved or find out more, please get in touch.
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