We are currently working to finish our garden area, which is a key part of our new hospice.
The many windows in the new hospice will allow our garden to be enjoyed from inside as well as outside, bringing enjoyment to all of our patients.
The aim of our gardens is to provide a break from the hospice environment and we believe the garden will be vital to the wellbeing of our patients. For many people, being in nature and interacting with the natural world welcomes a sense of peace, tranquillity, and connectedness.
Research has shown that visual contact with nature has a positive effect on health and wellbeing. Gardens reduce stress and promote a sense of comfort and happiness. This leads to measurable psychological, physiological, and behavioral benefits, such as reduced anxiety, sadness, lower blood pressure and improved immune functioning, and better compliance with treatment protocol.
Our gardens have been designed to fully stimulate and engage senses. It is not just a garden to enjoy from a distance, patients will be able to pick herbs, plant bulbs and become involved in garden maintenance. There will also be private areas for families to spend time together and talk, as well as walks that patients and families can go on.
We currently have £40,000 to invest in our gardens but need to spend £60,000 to achieve our full ambition. Please help us if you can: http://www.sbh.org.uk/donate
