The sound of healing.
- Perth Children's Hospital Foundation
The sound of healing.
- Perth Children's Hospital Foundation
This month, the first free sound therapy sessions for parents and carers launched at Perth Children's Hospital (PCH), funded by Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation (PCHF).
These monthly sessions, featuring the calming hum of ‘singing bowls’, offer parents and carers of PCH patients a much-needed break, without needing to leave the hospital.
Led by sound therapist and paediatric nurse Ashe Burns of Sadhana Sound Therapy, each session offers respite through the power of sound – a quiet, restorative pause designed to calm the nervous system, ease tension, and support overall wellbeing.
PCHF CEO Carrick Robinson said: “It was very important for PCHF to support an initiative that can positively impact the mental health and wellbeing of parents and carers of long-stay patients at PCH. These families can spend weeks, and sometimes months, in hospital under significant emotional strain.
“Meditation and mindfulness practices help build resilience, strengthen coping skills, and support emotional wellbeing – ultimately benefiting patients as well.”
“Thanks to the generous support of the Tony Fini Foundation, we’ve expanded these sound healing sessions to be available to parents and carers throughout 2026, giving them the opportunity to prioritise their own wellbeing and self-care without needing to leave PCH.”
Sound therapist Ashe Burns said: “Many people are experiencing prolonged mental and emotional stress, and I think we are starting to see a wider understanding of how this has a direct impact on physical wellbeing.”
Reflecting on the first session, Ashe said: “It was wonderful to see six parents take that time for themselves. Afterwards, we chatted about the sound journey, and for a few people it was their first time, so discussing their experience also provided a nice moment of community and connection.
“I hoped the session would give people the chance to make time and space to fill their own cups. Caring for a child in hospital is incredibly draining, and it can be really hard to step away.”
“These sessions can take time to gain momentum, so I would love for people to share this opportunity with anyone who does frequent the hospital and might benefit.”
How parents and carers can get involved:
When: Monthly Tuesdays throughout 2026 (see 2026 dates below)
Time: 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Where: Multi Faith Centre, Level 5, PCH (Green lifts)
No bookings required. Mats, cushions and bolsters provided.
- 17 March
- 21 April
- 19 May
- 16 June
- 21 July
- 18 August
- 15 September
- 20 October
- 17 November
- 15 December
