At Acorns, our dedicated sibling care programme plays a vital role in supporting the brothers and sisters of children with life limiting and life threatening conditions. These siblings navigate challenges and responsibilities that most children their age do not. One of our newest and most exciting projects is the Birmingham sibling garden – a space that has flourished in more ways than one.
Nurturing Nature: How Acorns supports siblings through a new garden space
Nurturing Nature: How Acorns supports siblings through a new garden space
28th February 2025
What is Acorns sibling care?
Sibling care at Acorns goes beyond simple playtime. Sarah and Jen, siblings workers at Acorns Birmingham, explain that their sessions aim to offer connection, comfort, and support.
“We can’t change what’s happening in their lives, but we can say, ‘You’re part of this community. You are unique and special’,” says Jen. “We want them to feel that Acorns is a place where they can be themselves, however they need to be.”
By creating a sense of belonging, these sessions help siblings feel less isolated. They can connect with other children who truly understand what it’s like to grow up with a seriously ill brother or sister – something they might not experience at school.
Every group session has a therapeutic element, following the FRAME method. From modelling coping skills to offering a space for self-expression, Sarah and Jen ensure that each session includes elements of self-care that children can carry with them when they need it most.
Whether siblings are pre- or post- bereavement or simply adjusting to life with a seriously ill brother or sister, Acorns provides one-to-one sessions and group activities. For many children, time spent outdoors in nature is particularly meaningful.
Sarah explains: “One of the things they love most is just playing outside. Many siblings don’t have access to gardens or parks – some live in high-rise flats, while others have family circumstances that make trips to the park impossible. For them, the hospice garden is a real haven.”
“We want siblings to feel that Acorns is a place where they can be themselves, however they need to be.”
The birth of the sibling garden
The sibling garden at Acorns Birmingham was born from an idea shared by the siblings themselves. Roger, one of Acorns dedicated garden volunteers, recalls how it all began:
“We had a session asking them what they’d like to do, and they said they wanted their very own space in the garden – a place where they could grow things and play.”
With that in mind, volunteers and siblings worked together to design a special area now known as ‘The Eco Corner’, a name chosen by Acorns sibling, Amina, who is an eco-councillor at her school.
The children planted vegetables like rainbow carrots, onions, radishes, and even lettuce that they later harvested. “We got to take it home – it was yummy!” Acorns sibling, Cassidy, says.
The garden also celebrates wildlife. From painting butterfly decorations to building wormeries and ant houses, siblings have learnt how their efforts can attract birds, insects, and other creatures. “I love the wildlife section the most,” Cassidy adds. “I just love the animals, the nature, and seeing all the things we plant grow.”
Megan, another Acorns sibling, shares her painting of a butterfly, saying, “I chose these colours because it reminds me of the calmness at nighttime.”
Gardening as therapy
For many siblings, gardening is more than just a fun activity – it’s a form of therapy. Roger has seen its benefits firsthand: “They love getting involved with the planting and watching things grow. It’s really good to see.”
Sarah and Jen add that the garden is a space where siblings don’t have to think about anyone else. They can just enjoy being kids – getting the hands dirty, splashing in puddles, and taking a break from the responsibilities they often feel at home.
Studies show that spending even just 20 minutes in nature can reduce anxiety, boost mood and improve focus. For siblings facing the challenges of living alongside illness or bereavement, the benefits of the garden can transformative.
A space of their own
At its heart, the sibling garden is about creating a sense of ownership and belonging.
“Siblings need to know they have a part of Acorns too,” Sarah explains. “If their sibling comes for end-of-life care, they know they have this space and can think ‘I can go there because that’s ours.’”
Jen adds: “Acorns siblings are often deeply caring because of their home lives, so looking after this garden feels like a natural extension of who they are. But just as importantly, it gives them a break. Their homes can be busy and full of medical equipment, so having this space where they can just be is really meaningful.”
With spaces like these, we hope every sibling who visits feels a little more connected, a little more seen, and a little more at home.
“I just love the animals, the nature, and seeing all the things we plant grow.”
Get involved
Even families without access to large outdoor spaces can experience the benefits of nature – through scavenger hunts, nature walks, or small-scale gardening.
Jen says: “We recently took the siblings on the Bournville Scavenger Hunt. Seeing how much joy they got from it showed just how much they needed that time in nature.”
This Spring, Acorns invites families to experience the benefits of nature themselves by downloading our printable Collect the Rainbow activity sheet. Collect natural treasures in every colour of the rainbow on your next stroll.
