Volunteers transform courtyard garden at Amersham Hospital for staff
Two Trust volunteers and the local community have transformed a courtyard garden at Amersham Hospital, now known as The Haleacre Rainbow Garden, into a restful and relaxing space for staff to recharge their batteries.
Through the generous donations to the Trust’s COVID-19 staff wellbeing appeal and NHS Charities Together the space was completely cleared back enabling volunteers Hugh and Abi to redesign the garden. With additional help from their local community networks the pair sourced plants, compost as well as other materials and the Chiltern Rangers volunteered their time in June to create areas to encourage wildlife back into the garden. A gardening group has been set up so that staff can get involved and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of gardening.
When asked about her involvement with the project Volunteer Gardener Abi said: “Being passionate about the benefit of time in nature in order to support people’s mental health and wellbeing, I feel strongly about creating spaces which allow people to enjoy the beauty and healing that nature can provide. I am looking forward to our further involvement of the community in the development of these exciting garden spaces.”
Volunteer Gardener Hugh said: “It’s been so rewarding to be part of this community project to give the NHS team at Amersham hospital a tranquil garden space. It’s really been a collaborative effort with so many generous local people and organisations giving their time as well as donating plants, furniture and other garden items.”
Trust Chief Executive Neil Macdonald said: “I want to say a big thank you to everyone involved for all their hard work to transform the garden, especially those who have given their time so freely. Green spaces have such a positive impact on the mental wellbeing of our workforce and enhancing these areas after the last 18 months is more important than ever.”
Hugh and Abi are not just stopping at the Haleacre Rainbow Garden. The duo is keen to transform other areas around the Amersham Hospital site and would like to continue working with the local community. If you’d like to help out or even sponsor a future garden please email bht.covid-19-actsofkindness@nhs.net.