NHS Lanarkshire has created a vibrant outdoor space to support the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people at Hamilton’s Udston Hospital.
The health board’s Green Health Partnership (GHP) has teamed up with the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) to create the relaxing garden, thanks to a funding grant from the NHS Charities Together Greener Communities Fund, delivered in partnership with Starbucks and Hubbub.
With the first phase now complete, young people supported by the service will be able to access the benefits of being out in nature.
To celebrate this milestone, team members from the NHS Lanarkshire GHP and CAMHS, along with Clydesdale Community Initiatives (CCI), who developed the garden with their volunteers, officially declared it open.
New features include a bug hotel to encourage biodiversity, aromatic herbs including thyme, lavender and rosemary, a variety of fruit trees and berry bushes and a shed to safely store hand tools and equipment. These elements will also contribute to gentle activities for service users to participate in with staff.
The garden is within the existing courtyard at Udston Hospital where children and young people supported by CAMHS, as well as NHS Lanarkshire staff, can access this therapeutic area to support their mental wellbeing.
Laura Jack, Service Manager – Specialist Children’s Health Service Unit, NHS Lanarkshire, said: “We are delighted with the refurbishment. The project has brought new life to the outdoor space, creating a calm and inclusive environment for children and young people.
“It’s now a lovely green space to enjoy and an opportunity to connect with the outdoors – something our service users told us is important to them.
“For our staff, the space is a source of pride and positivity, reinforcing our commitment to wellbeing, using our outdoor spaces and all the benefits this can bring. We’re especially grateful to our partners whose support and collaboration made this transformation possible.”
Vicki Trim, Health Improvement Lead – University Health & Social Care North Lanarkshire, said: “Access to nature and green spaces can have a positive impact on our mental health and wellbeing.
“This project is a great example of how working together can create meaningful spaces that make a real difference to people’s lives. I’d like to thank all who came along to the launch, along with the GHP, CCI, NHS Charities Together, Starbucks and Hubbub, who together made the garden a possibility.
“We’re delighted to see this project come to life and look forward to seeing how it supports the wellbeing of those who use it.”
Ruth McElhinney, Community Development Manager at CCI, added: “CCI was thrilled to be able to contribute to the building of the new garden.
“The CCI volunteers involved really enjoyed seeing the transformation of this space and gave such positive feedback about their experience developing it.
“We celebrated the launch by bringing our own Clyde Valley apple juice to toast with NHS Lanarkshire staff. I hope that the staff and clients of the CAMHS unit enjoy using the garden for many years ahead.”
Whether you’re a child or young person and struggling with how you’re feeling or you’re a parent or carer worried about a child, you’re not alone and there is support available. You can use this directory to find out what is available in Lanarkshire.
