Stepping Hill Hospital opens new Alice in Wonderland themed therapy garden
A new therapy garden has opened at Stepping Hill Hospital, themed around Alice in Wonderland.
The garden is designed to offer therapeutic support for patients with a wide-range of conditions, including dementia and mobility issues.
It's also open to staff and visitors.
It's based in the Acute Frailty Unit, and has transformed what was once a neglected courtyard into a 'vibrant and peaceful' outdoor space.
The Alice in Wonderland theme was partly inspired by Stockport's hatting heritage, with a statue of the 'Mad Hatter' featuring in the garden. The decor, including tea party tables and chairs, planters, and more, is similarly Alice-themed.
There's even a small greenhouse, so the garden's visitors can try out some relaxing planting.
Scientific consensus maintains that exposure to greenery and the outdoors more generally can prove beneficial for physical and mental conditions.
Indeed, research commissioned by the NHS found that 8 in 10 of us feel healthier and more energetic after spending time in nature, and 70 percent report improved mental and physical health – from better sleep to reduced stress and improved mood.
The garden was funded with £68,000 from the NHS Greener Communities Fund.
The work itself was carried out by Groundwork Greater Manchester, with support from hospital staff.
Kate Leadbeater, Charity Manager at Stockport NHS Charity said: "This has been such a magical opening event which is a reflection of the magical space which has been created here for our patients.
"It was an honour to receive the Greener Communities Funding, and I'd like to wholeheartedly thank our funders NHS Charities Together, Hubbub and Starbucks, who have helped make our dream for patients come true.
"I'd also like to send special thanks to our community partners Groundwork Greater Manchester for their expertise and professionalism and for walking every step of this amazing journey with us."
Karen James OBE, Chief Executive for Stockport NHS Foundation Trust said: "It was a real pleasure to be part of the opening of this beautiful new garden.
"The benefits of therapeutic spaces such as this for patients are well established, and we are very grateful for the generosity and hard work of all the partners involved who have helped to make this possible."
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