We are always looking for new ways to improve the quality of life for our patients and this is exactly why we have developed our new Living Well Programme.
We are also very lucky to have some beautiful gardens within the Hospice, including an allotment, which is lovingly maintained by volunteers every Thursday morning.
Our volunteers were kindly buying in plants and seeds themselves, so we were over the moon when we received some funding through the Co-Op, which has allowed us to purchase some basic tools.
This week, we are starting to offer a gardening group to our patients, Led by our occupational therapist and physiotherapist, this nature-based approach to wellbeing, embraces the outdoors and encourages social interaction.
Patients who attend the group will have goals specific to their abilities and our Therapeutic and Well Being Team will tailor the sessions to suit, so there will be something for everyone.
There is a range of physical, psychological, social and emotional benefits of “Green Therapy”.
Jenni Marks, our Therapies Lead explains;
“Patients are able to be outside and engaging in a level of exercise can contribute to improved physical strength, stamina and balance; and doing this in a group setting can improve self-esteem, confidence and social support. For some patients, the group may result in developing new skills and creating a sense of achievement”.
We hope to continue building on this to purchase more seeds, plants, bulbs, compost and pots to enable us to support more patients and their families in the future.
If you think you may be able to help with donations of seeds, plants or tools, please do get in touch.
Read more about our Living Well Programme here
