In July 2021, The Staff Lottery Bids Panel approved a bid to improve the garden space behind the Cwtch. The Cwtch, on East 18 at University Hospital Llandough, is a 1950’s style sitting room, complete with record player, glass cabinets and ornaments reflective of the era to engage with dementia patients and their memories. Karen Jones, the Activities Team Manager, had bid to develop the outside area behind the Cwtch which would further improve the staff and patient experience. The murals painted by Amelia Thomas are a very welcome addition to the space.
The improvements to the Cwtch Garden will provide a vibrant and relaxing space for the patients to use as a sanctuary, which will allow them to take time out from the busy hospital environment to meditate and reflect. The Activities Team and the patients have also been using the area as a small scale gardening project over the past 2 years, and the team would like to evolve this by planting bee friendly vegetation and teaching the patients further gardening skills that they’ll be able to utilise at home.
As well as a store cupboard, shelter area and a wooden bench being placed in the garden, funding has also been provided to create a colourful and inspirational mural to further improve the Cwtch Garden space. The outside area was previously enclosed by large metal fencing, but panels have now been installed to house the artwork, and provide the patients with more privacy when they are using the garden to relax. Created by Amelia Unity, the vibrant painting displays scenes of thriving nature, and will strongly complement the gardening activities that will take place in the Cwtch Garden.
Karen Jones, the Activities Team Manager, said: “Along with the outdoors, fresh air and gardening, art can ease feelings of anxiety, stress and the feeling of being trapped when spending a lot of time indoors. (…) The addition of the artwork for the “Cwtch Garden” will provide that important space for engagement, inclusion, the learning of new skills or even just some self-reflection.”
The Cwtch Garden project was happily supported by the Staff Lottery Bids Panel as it improves the staff and patient experience by providing a space that encourages learning new skills in an outdoor setting. The inclusion of the mural also has a positive impact on the staff and patient wellbeing, by creating a tranquil and colourful environment which has already been positively received by the staff and patients.
Why YOU should support the Staff Lottery!
The Staff Lottery Bids Panel endeavours to work towards all seven wellbeing goals set out by the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act whilst utilising the five ways of working; long term, prevention, integration, collaboration and involvement.
By joining the Staff Lottery, you are actively supporting a wide range of projects funded by the Bids Panel which enhance countless services across the UHB. Through this funding, you are helping the Bids Panel and Health Charity make things better for both our staff and patients, helping us all work together to create a more Prosperous, Healthier and Resilient Wales.
If you would like to join the Staff Lottery, application forms can be completed electronically or via our website; https://healthcharity.wales/hospital-staff/staff-lottery/. Please return completed Staff Lottery forms to fundraising.cav@wales.nhs.uk. If you would like to apply for funding from the Staff Lottery Bids Panel, please contact the above address for details.
Cardiff & Vale Health Charity encourages you to join the Staff Lottery and apply for funding, which can enhance your department or service and inform others of the benefits of joining the Staff Lottery. And who knows, maybe you will be our next winner?