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Published
27 July 2023

Hope Garden Project Says Thank You to ELFT Charity

Service users have painted a beautiful mural of the ELFT Charity logo to say thank you for the funding that has contributed to creating a peaceful space to think, spend time with others and ... breathe
ELFT Charity Mural

A painting project at the Hope Garden which is in the grounds of the Newham Centre for Mental Health has special meaning for the ELFT Charity. The ELFT Charity joined forces with DIY retailer Wickes to provide funds to the Hope Garden. A log cabin was donated by Shire Sheds through the Wickes Community Programme. New beds, greenhouses and decking has also been purchased and installed by Support Worker Andrew Casey.

Hope Garden 5Hope Garden 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

Andrew and his trusty team of service users have got their hands dirty to bring the garden to the position it is today. Andrew and his team have made good use of every corner of the garden. It is constantly evolving as the seasons change and new ideas are implemented.

Hope Garden 2The Hope Garden was established four years ago to provide a peaceful spot for inpatients to use as well as people in contact with the crisis team based on the same site. The Hope Garden was the vision of support worker, Andrew Casey and his colleagues.

Diane Ball, Operational Lead at the Newham Crisis Hub & Newham Home Treatment Team said, “Typically a patient who comes to the centre will be with us for 4-6 weeks.  In addition to one-to-one consultations, the centre also offers group therapy in the form of art and garden therapy. Our patients spend time in the garden growing plants and vegetables. Thanks to Wickes and their supplier Shire Sheds, we now have this additional space to run session for small groups. Being in the centre of London but still being able to look out on some green space is really helpful and calming."

Andrew Casey Support Worker said: “When the going gets tough, the tough get gardening. We see on a daily basis that our patients really benefit from being in The Hope Garden and caring for plants. It helps them think more clearly and feel more energised which releases those all-important endorphins which improve mood."

Hope Garden 3This is just one example of how the ELFT Charity can support projects which increase social connections and healthy activities.
Find out more about the ELFT Charity here

Make a donation via the ELFT Charity JustGiving page here