Therapy garden in full bloom thanks to charity funding

A therapy garden at Basildon Mental Health Unit is in full bloom thanks to funding from a charity run by Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT).

The therapy garden was created using funding from Charitable Funds, a registered charity that helps finance ‘little extras’ to ensure the Trust’s patients receive the best possible care.

Based in the grounds of Basildon Hospital, the garden provides a calming environment in which patients can relax and take part in therapy sessions.

The garden was originally an overgrown and unused space but was transformed by the unit’s occupational therapy team and a green-fingered Trust volunteer.

It is now home to raised flower beds, bird baths, windmills, a picnic bench, shed and a host of shrubs, flowers and fruit and vegetable plants which are cared for by patients.

Jacqui Sullivan, Occupational Therapy Clinical Lead, said: “The garden offers real therapeutic benefits to our patients. Not only does it offer them a calm environment in which to reflect but it also encourages patients to take on responsibility for looking after the space. Being part of something like this helps them realise they can achieve when they leave us.

“Projects like this one are not possible without Charitable Funds but make such a huge difference to our patients and their families.”

Charitable Funds relies on donations to keep going. If you’re thinking of taking on a sponsored challenge of some kind, please consider supporting Charitable Funds.

You can donate to Charitable Funds via the Virgin Money Giving webpage.

For more information about the Charitable Funds, visit www.eput.nhs/charitablefunds