New prayer mats available for patients in need

In hospital buildings across Cardiff and the Vale, Sanctuary rooms are available to patients, staff and visitors, providing a safe space for people to pray, collect their thoughts or seek support.

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board has recently worked with Cardiff-based prayer mat company Umbrella Faith to provide certain wards with 20 additional prayer mats, which can be used wherever and whenever someone may require one.

These mats have been introduced to wards at University Hospital of Llandough and University Hospital of Wales, and are available to patients or visitors who may be unable to attend their nearest Sanctuary room.

Sadique Maskeen, founder of Umbrella Faith, started his personalised prayer mat company in 2023 following the birth of his child. During his wife’s labour at the University Hospital of Wales, Sadique recalls how he was longing to pray, but wanted to remain by his wife’s side.

“That would have been hugely comforting for me, knowing at that I could take a moment and pray without leaving the ward” recalls Sadique.

Since then, Sadique has been working with businesses and services across South Wales, ensuring more prayer mats are available to those who need them.

The health board’s new prayer mats have been funded by the Patient Experience Department and are now available on palliative care, mental health, children’s oncology and delivery wards.

They have meant that more patients and visitors can now take a minute for prayer or wellness whenever they may need it, without leaving their ward.

For more information about the Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care services available at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board hospitals, please visit https://cavuhb.nhs.wales/news/latest-news/meet-our-chaplains/.