Supporting Emotional Wellbeing in Cancer Care

An evidence based VR relaxation tool used in NHS cancer services to support patients through treatment and beyond.

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Brain Recovery Zone - Virtual Headset

The Challenge

Patients across the cancer pathway frequently experience:

  • Anxiety and emotional overwhelm
  • Difficulty sleeping on wards
  • Distress before procedures
  • Ongoing uncertainty during treatment

At the same time, services are facing increasing demand with reduced access to psychological support.

There is a clear need for interventions that are:

  • Non-pharmacological and easy to use
Brain Recovery Zone

The Intervention

Brain Safe Space Calm Zone is a virtual reality (VR) emotional regulation tool designed for healthcare environments. It provides:

Immersive calming environments and landscapes

Guided meditation and mindfulness

Controlled breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation

Sleep support

Evidence From NHS Cancer Services

In 2025, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Cancer Psychological Service was awarded a Cancer Innovation Grant from The Cancer Alliance.

This funded a collaborative project with the Teenage and Young Adult Unit at Castle Hill Hospital, exploring the role of Virtual Reality interventions in supporting cancer patients across diagnosis and treatment.

The service was given permission to use Brain Safe Space Calm Zone, developed by Clinical Neuropsychologist Dr Katherine Dawson and Rehabilitation Medicine Consultant Dr Abayomi Salawu.

Clinical Perspective Video

video

Hear from Dr Jennie Ormerod (Consultant Clinical Psychologist) involved in the NHS pilot on how Brain Safe Space supports emotional regulation in cancer care.

Case Example

A young adult inpatient used Brain Safe Space to manage night-time anxiety and rumination, supporting relaxation before sleep.

The same patient later used the headset prior to blood tests to reduce anticipatory anxiety.

Clinical psychology reported that engagement with the platform supported earlier psychological engagement within a stepped-care model.

In June 2025, the project expanded to include patients attending the Queens Centre and their supporters.

  • Macmillan Information Centre hosted sessions in a dedicated quiet room
  • A VR launch event was held on 24th June
  • The intervention was included in a wellbeing day on 16th July

A regular VR clinic is now established, allowing patients to book weekly sessions.

Where It Was Delivered

  • Teenage & Young Adult Inpatient Unit – Castle Hill Hospital
  • Macmillan Information Centre (Queens Centre)
  • Wellbeing events within the Trust
Why This Matters

Impact for Patients

  • 100% of users reported improved mood after use
  • Mood improvements of up to +7 points (1–10 scale)
  • 90% of users rated the experience 10/10 for relaxation
  • Patients reported:
    • feeling calmer before procedures
    • reduced distress at night

Pricing

Brain Safe Space Calm Zone Package

VR headset + Software included

£599 + VAT

Patient Brain Safe Space Access

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