Mental Health Services for Older People (MHSOP) began a project to transform their inpatient garden into an inviting, stimulating and relaxing area that patients would enjoy and utilise as part of their therapy.
With funding agreed from the Staff Lottery Bids Panel, the team were able to purchase outdoor musical equipment, situated at certain points within the garden adding an interactive experience throughout the area. The instruments will have a positive impact on patient’s health and wellbeing, helping them engage with musical activities and outdoor sensory interventions, promote independence, developing daily routines, with the aim of improving mental health and wellbeing.
By providing sensory stimulation, the improved outdoor space will specifically have a hugely positive effect on patients with dementia, as it has been proven “that people with dementia who spent time in a garden presented with less agitation” (Whear et al, 2014). Through providing opportunities for group activities, the project will also improve the quality of life and promote social interaction.
Jane Finch, the Occupational Therapist for MHSOP said: ‘2020/21 had been particularly difficult for our patients as the wards have had a no-visitor policy due to visitor restrictions and they had not been able to access an outdoor space as often as we would have liked. Now that the restrictions are relaxing, we are eager for our patients to experience the benefits of being outdoors once more, as we are aware of the research and evidence promoting the use of outdoor activities due to the multitude of benefits it can have on a person’s mental health and wellbeing.’
The Staff Lottery Bids Panel were delighted to support the project as it will have a direct positive impact on their health and wellbeing, and assist with their recovery.
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 for a chance to win £1,000 each week, 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 email 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?