How our hospice gardens provide a sanctuary for children and families
There is something wonderfully calming about spending time in a garden; feeling the breeze, seeing the array of colours and smelling the sweet fragrance of flowers in bloom.
For children in particular, a garden is a blank canvas for imaginations to run wild; in the blink of an eye, a patch of grass can transform into the surface of an unexplored planet! For many of our children access to their garden at home isn’t possible.
Over the past 30 years, with the support of volunteers and donors we have created beautiful gardens at each one of our hospices. Each one is specially designed to enable our children and their families to spend quality time together outside.
There are themed play areas for children and their siblings. At the Birmingham hospice there is a play boat for nautical adventures. At the Black Country hospice children can enjoy the wheelchair accessible train allowing their imaginations to take them on an exciting adventure.
There are sensory areas too, that give heightened awareness of sight, smell, and sound to help spark surprise and imagination. These include water fountains, scented plants, and bright flowers as well as wind chimes and musical instruments for children to engage with.
For parents the gardens act as a quiet place to visit. The beautiful surroundings help to offer a peaceful and calm moment.
There have been many changes in our gardens over the years, but one thing that has always remained the same is the joy and peace that they bring to families.
They are a place for fairytales, curiosity and exploration; they are sensory spaces of discovery for those in our care; a sanctuary for parents and an area where families can spend important moments of fun and laughter together.
Thank you for helping us maintain our beautiful gardens with your donations and fundraising.
Dee
Volunteers Manager
(Birmingham hospice and gardens)
We have Open Garden events coming up at our Three Counties and Birmingham hospices. Check out our events calendar for more information.
