As the ‘lockdown’ continues into April, we find new ways of continuing our work at Stanford Hall.

April 30, 2020

April has been a challenging month for us all with plans put on hold, and everyone adjusting to different ways of working. The one thing that I think never fails to lift the spirits is contact with Nature whether it’s looking after a plant on your windowsill, noticing the seasonal changes around you, or getting out into green space be it your own garden or a walk in the park.

The end of April saw National Gardening week, and there has been a lot emphasis on the health benefits of Horticulture. I would certainly echo this as I have been lucky enough to be able to continue going to my allotment and it makes a huge difference to my mood and sense of wellbeing. I’m definitely noticing a difference if I don’t go down for a couple of days, and would recommend to anyone to take any opportunity to interact with the natural environment in whatever way you can.

Despite being unable to return to Stanford Hall myself, Andy has started going back twice weekly to maintain the therapeutic garden areas and set up activities for patients as part of our plans for remote working. It’s been great to get a progress report of how our plants are growing and a few photos too!  We also continue to receive pictures from staff and patients who are gardening at home. It brightens our day to find out what everyone is doing at home and to see that the world keeps moving.

Remote Horticultural Therapy

We are trying to work creatively and are planning remote Horticultural Therapy sessions with some of the Neuro patients currently on the Unit. We will set up equipment and tools needed for each planned patient session together with instructions via video, pictures or words depending on the need. The patients will then be able to attend with their OT and still be involved in Horticultural Therapy. The feedback the OT’s provide will help us to tailor further sessions to the needs of those patients.

Seed sowing starts the first session: climbing beans, squashes, courgettes and peas (thank-you Mr Fothergills for all your lovely seed donations). We have lots of other ideas up our sleeve and look forward to sharing them with you next month until then from all at HighGround take care and stay safe.

Jane.

Neuro Group seed sowing preparation.

Raised bed with rhubarb.

Wallflowers in the Pears Walled Garden.

Friends of the Tenth tulips outside the Greenhouse at Stanford Hall.

A patient and his home grown radish.

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