Work underway on ‘Wellbeing Garden’

Above: Patti Pinto (centre), Lily Preston, Fundraising and Events Manager for East Cheshire NHS Chairty (second from the right) with volunteers pictured on the garden site.

Work to deliver a new wellbeing garden for staff, patients and volunteers at Congleton War Memorial Hospital is underway.

The garden is being created as part of East Cheshire NHS Charity’s Wellbeing Appeal which launched in April and aims to raise funds for a range of wellbeing initiatives.

Work has begun on the project which will provide a welcoming, tranquil new green space for patients, visitors and staff.

Alongside staff from East Cheshire NHS Trust, the project is being overseen by Congleton-based gardener Patti Pinto, with help from the local community.

She said: “I was asked to create the garden at the hospital in early spring and had already worked with Trees for Congleton and hospital staff to plant a large orchard in the grounds back in late February.  

“We are excited to get the wellbeing garden underway and begin to work on an outdoor space that will undoubtedly have a massively positive impact on the staff, patients and their families.”

The oval shaped garden, which incorporates a rainbow-coloured theme, will include an orchard on the outer rim with a series of borders, connecting paths and five benches. 

Members of the local community are encouraged to get involved and support the project by attending planting sessions running at the end of May. If you’d like to get involved, please email ecntstaff.comms@nhs.net to register your interest. 

Donations to the charity’s appeal will also help fund the installation of comfortable seating and secluded rest spots, allowing hospital staff to relax and unwind close to nature during their breaks and the transformation of clinical environments with calming murals and artwork. 

There are a number of ways you can get involved by hosting your own fundraising event, making a one-off donation or joining East Cheshire NHS Charity’s 100 Club which provides many benefits to businesses whilst also helping to make a difference to the experience of patients, families and staff.

For more information about the appeal, please click HERE.