A group of students from Seaford School spent the day at Donald Wilson House, a specialist neurorehabilitation service at St Richard’s, revamping their garden to provide a more accessible and welcoming space for patients.
As part of a voluntary community day, the group of 14–18-year-olds tidied up the garden to create a tranquil space, filled with beautiful flowers and plants for patients to enjoy.
The group built a large, raised planter which is accessible for wheelchair users so patients can get their hands dirty, new tables for relatives and friends to enjoy socialising in the garden, as well as a new purpose-built gate increasing safety for the patients.
The students ended the day making bird boxes alongside patients who have had life changing brain injuries, giving them the opportunity to practice their skills with the support of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and the nursing team.
Research shows nature-based rehabilitation and interacting with the outdoors benefits individuals undergoing neurorehabilitation, so having this revamped space will create more positive experiences for our patients and help towards their care.
Amanda Cornish, Occupational Therapist, kindly organised the community day, having welcomed the school to Donald Wilson House previously in 2019 and again in 2022 to tend to the service’s garden.
She said: “It has been remarkable to be part of such a special day. The students spending time with patients to make bird boxes was very special, especially for some of our patients who enjoyed woodwork before their life changing illnesses and injuries. The appreciation from the patients has been overwhelming and we would like to thank Seaford School for creating a beautiful and safe garden for patients using their incredible skills.”
