The Sanctuary — Ren Gill’s Vision for Healing Through Community
A first look at the clinic and digital spaces Ren is shaping — rooted in empathy, access, and the belief that community heals.
Why this matters
Ren has long been open about living with complex chronic illness. Years of symptoms, setbacks and searching shaped both his outlook and his art — think of the self-interrogation of Hi Ren and the hard-won resilience of Sick Boi. The Sanctuary is the real-world continuation of that arc: a place where care is personal, where connection is part of treatment, and where people who feel unseen can be heard.
“One of the biggest things lacking in health care is community — just being held by a group of people who want the best for you can be one of the most healing elements.”
What The Sanctuary is (so far)
- Location & build: Renovations are underway for a UK clinic space designed to feel welcoming, not clinical.
- Funding with compassion: Ren is exploring a community donation element so people on low incomes can have treatment covered when they can’t afford it themselves.
- Access beyond geography: Alongside the physical site, he plans online digital spaces linked to the clinic for those who cannot travel or who live abroad.
- First look coming: Ren mentioned an in-depth video unveiling toward late November / early December.
This page will be updated as official details are shared.
How it extends Ren’s ethos
If Hi Ren staged the dialogue between self and shadow, The Sanctuary invites that conversation into a room with chairs, light and company. The aim isn’t just symptom management — it’s dignity. It’s the belief that care should feel human, and that the arts can sit alongside medicine without apology.
Community as a clinical asset
Ren’s emphasis on community reframes “support” from something optional to something therapeutic. Peer circles, story-sharing and group learning can soften isolation — a constant theme in his work and in the lived reality of chronic illness.
Purpose as medicine
Ren has said that helping others is a reason to stay well and stay the course. The Sanctuary channels that purpose into practical help: providing space, information, and a culture of care.
Timeline & what to expect next
- Renovation phase: in progress.
- Video update: first look planned for late Nov / early Dec.
- Digital spaces: exploratory work to connect people who can’t travel.
- Community funding: options under review to support low-income patients.
In short: The Sanctuary is the ethos behind the music — made physical.
💭 Renflections
How does this chapter speak to you? What would you hope to see inside The Sanctuary — either in the clinic or the digital spaces?
Share your Renflection below. Kindness first — this is a space for thoughtful conversation.
This is absolutely wonderful. Ren must have been working so hard to progress this project alongside all his other ventures – making new music with The Big Push, collaborating with Chris Webby, The Skinner Brothers and preparing for his collaboration with Tash Sultana. His drive and determination to support people is nothing short of astounding. He has such tenacity. What a truly admirable character he is. He deserves much respect and love. I look forward to hearing more about this project and wish him every success in his endeavours.
Thank you so much, Anne — that means a lot. Ren’s creativity and resilience continue to inspire so many of us, and The Vault was built to celebrate that spirit. I really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts — it keeps the light growing 💛
How would one get involved. I would love to volunteer, help any way I can
Hi Amy,
That’s really kind of you to offer 💛 The Sanctuary project is Ren’s upcoming community-funded space, so the best way to get involved will be through his official channels once he opens applications or volunteer calls.
For now, the best step is to keep an eye on Ren’s socials and his official site — I’ll also post updates here as soon as there’s confirmed info on how people can help. It’s inspiring to see so many wanting to be part of it 🙏
Hi Darren… as someone who would be interested in reaching out to this for help myself, but also as someone that would be more than happy to volunteer time and support for others too (I also live relatively close and have experience / skills that may be of use) , what does it mean to be “community funded”…. will this resource be reaching out to social prescribers that can refer people via the NHS? Do we know the extent of what will be provided on site vs anything that will be supported externally/online? I appreciate this is a work in progress, but the more exposure this movement gets, the more people it could potentially reach and not just those that live locally 🙂