Fran's Story

The ‘Space to Grow’ garden/allotment project at the Borders Hospital Huntlyburn Ward gives patients the chance to leave the ward to spend time in the natural environment.The project makes use of sustainable resources and has a positive impact on mental health. The garden allows patients and staff to participate in therapeutic horticulture, enjoy being active in the outdoors and explore the natural environment.

The garden project has become part of the ward programme, offering an alternative to the indoor activities and therapies on offer. It also gives patients the opportunity to stay involved when their stay in the ward has come to an end.

At our conference in 2018 Jan Moffatt and Fran Rychel talked about the project and Fran then shared her story with us. Watch it here:

If you would like to find out more about the Space to Grow Project and donate click here