Publish date: 30 April 2024
People at the Long Fox Unit receiving mental health care can benefit from a revamped outdoor space thanks to kind support from their local Wickes DIY store.
The project will see the creation of a new, multipurpose therapeutic space for patients on Cove and Dune Ward, located on the Long Fox Unit, Western Super Mare.
Run by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health NHS Partnership Trust, Cove Ward provides inpatient care to older adults who are experiencing mental health illness. Dune ward provides care for service users with organic mental health conditions such as dementia and Huntington’s.
Sarah Mckeever, Cove Ward Manager said “This is a really exciting project that will support our teams to engage patients in meaningful activities specifically designed to improve their wellbeing.”
“Evidence suggests that sensory gardens can help a person connect with others by creating a shared experience and stimulating memories. Together with being outside in the fresh air this can greatly improve the physical and mental wellbeing of our patients. We are really grateful to Wicks for their support to help create such a fantastic space for our patients”
Corrina Goodship, Dune ward Activities Co-Ordinator said “These spaces enable us to support patients to participate in a range of meaningful and purposeful activities that are essential for good health and wellbeing.
"We are delighted to have these wonderful additions to the therapeutic interventions we are able to offer our patients".
A spokesperson from wickes said: “"We are delighted to be helping supply products that will be used to create a garden for patients to use. Personally, I hope that they all enjoy the space and find it therapeutic as I know that will improve their wellbeing. I look forward to seeing the outcome of the garden and I'm grateful that Wickes was chosen to support this project"
The multi-purpose outdoor space will also provide a quiet area for staff to relax and reflect during their downtime.
Work is due to commence in teh coming months with an official opening planned for later in the year.
