OUTDOOR SPACES


The impact of nature H


ealthcare providers are waking up to the benefits of nature and giving patients, staff and visitors


greater access to outdoor space. And nowhere is this more evident than


in mental health and dementia settings. Research confirms that people who


live in areas that have more green or blue space have better mental health. And, more recently, there has been


increased interest in how the natural environment can be used more effectively to actually treat some mental health problems and assist with the care and management of people with dementia. Research by Roger Ulrich et al in


the late 1980s revealed that just 5-7 minutes in nature, or viewing nature, can reduce physiological indicators of stress, improve mood, and aid healing. For healthcare providers this means a


potential reduction in medication, fewer violent episodes, a reduction in overall anxiety, and faster recovery; all of which could help to save millions of pounds.


FEELING GOOD To support the drive to improve access to open spaces within health and care facilities, this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show ran a competition where healthcare trusts could bid to win Matt Keightley’s Feel Good Garden. A total of 39 of the country’s 54


mental health trusts entered the contest and the winner was Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust. It will provide a new home for the


therapeutic garden at the Highgate Mental Health Centre, one of its two inpatient mental health facilities. Andrew Kingston, the trust’s recovery


Landscaping projects and access to outdoor spaces are vital for wellbeing and recovery, particularly among people with dementia and mental health problems


service manager with expertise in horticultural therapy, said: “We serve older adults with mental health problems, such as schizophrenia and severe depression, or dementia. “At the time of their arrival, people can


be extremely distressed and agitated. “An attractive and well-maintained outdoor garden area will be invaluable in contributing to their recovery. It will also give these very vulnerable individuals a rare opportunity to interact with an outdoor environment and will be of significant support in their recovery.” Built by Rosebank Landscaping, The


Feel Good Garden features at its heart a tall Judas tree, along with mature honey locust, which provide height without blocking views. The layout was designed to draw people into the garden and compel


mhdf magazine


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