NHS Lanarkshire’s Learning Disability Service Occupational Therapy Team offers various green health treatment programmes for patients to get involved in to support their physical and mental health.
Every Wednesday morning, the team based at Kylepark, Kirklands, run a gardening group in partnership with Clydesdale Community Initiatives (CCI), as part of the Lanarkshire Green Health Partnership (LGHP). Each year, at Christmas, the group comes together for a special wreath-making session, which has become a festive highlight for both patients and staff.
Amanda Henderson, Occupational Therapist, NHS Lanarkshire, said: “The Christmas wreath-making morning allows patients to work as a team, helping each other and enjoying the creative process.
“For the patients, the wreaths hold special meaning – they give them as gifts to their families, bringing joy to their loved ones and a strong sense of pride and achievement.
“Seeing their creations and sharing them with others provides the patients with a real boost to their wellbeing, fostering confidence, happiness, and a sense of community. It’s a lovely activity for everyone involved.”
CCI staff and participants run gardening sessions for both inpatients and outpatients across 8 hospital garden sites. Everyone who takes part is supported with training and equipment to ensure their experience is enjoyed to the full.
There are many benefits of green health, taking part provides an opportunity to:
- Discover new skills and interests
- Be part of a friendly, hardworking team
- Improve health and wellbeing
- Make a positive contribution to the community
- Meet new people and have fun
- Hands on experience in a real work environment
Excess vegetables grown on these sites is also donated to the food growing network.
Ruth McElhinney, Community Development Manager at CCI, added: “Our gardening groups offer an opportunity for all involved to connect with the outdoors.
“We work with the Learning Disability Occupational Therapy Team every week and we’re delighted to be able to support all patients involved to improve their mental and physical health with different green activities.
“It was great to see everyone get into the festive spirit at our fabulous Christmas wreath making session. The finished products looked amazing and it was heartwarming to know that these are given to family members as gifts.
“We’re looking forward to more nature-based activities in 2026 with the NHS Lanarkshire Green health Partnership.”
NHS Lanarkshire’s Green Health Partnership offers a range of green health opportunities for patients within Lanarkshire. All health professionals can find out more about their patient’s suitability for these initiatives by getting in touch with Clydesdale Community Initiatives (CCI) Scotland by contacting Ruth McElhinney, Community Development Manager, CCI: ruth@cciweb.org.uk or call 01555 664211.
