Leicestershire Partnerships NHS Trust’s (LPT) charity, Raising Health, recently opened a new therapeutic sensory garden to help patients with mental health conditions reconnect with nature, build confidence, and find moments of peace during their recovery journey.
This month, Raising Health, officially opened a new therapeutic sensory garden at the Bradgate Mental Health Unit. The garden was made possible thanks to the success of the Let’s Get Gardening appeal, which raised an incredible £25,000 to transform an underused outdoor space into a healing environment for patients.
The appeal was supported by generous contributions from local businesses, charitable trusts, and individuals, including:
- Asda Foundation
- Barkby Seekers
- Clockwise Credit Union
- Florence Turner Trust
- Himat Tanna Trust
- Leicestershire and Rutland Masonic Foundation
- Leicestershire Traded Services
- Maud Elkington Trust
- Next Giving
- One Stop Community Fund
- Schreier Foundation
- Starbucks
- People in our community
- A special donation in memory of Dr Angela Knight, from past and present consultants. Dr Knight’s legacy lives on in this garden, reflecting her love for gardening and dedication to patient care.
The opening event welcomed supporters, funders, staff, and members of the community to explore the garden, participate in therapeutic activities, and celebrate the power of nature in mental health recovery. Guests were invited to take part in hands-on horticultural sessions, enjoy refreshments, and connect with those who helped bring the project to life.
Tanya Hibbert, executive director of Mental Health Services at LPT, said: “This moment was a celebration of community, compassion, and commitment. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters, we’ve created a space that is already making a difference. One patient described it as ‘a moment of stillness in the storm’ and that is exactly the kind of impact we hoped for.”
Samantha Wood, head of service for mental health at LPT, shared: “The creation of our new sensory garden marks a meaningful step forward in enhancing the wellbeing of our mental health inpatients here in Leicester. This space has been carefully designed to offer a calming, restorative environment where patients can reconnect with nature, find moments of peace, and support their recovery journey. We’re incredibly proud to provide a therapeutic resource that reflects our commitment to holistic, person-centred care.”
The Bradgate Mental Health Unit provides acute care for adults with severe mental health conditions. The new garden features a sensory walkway made from natural materials such as stones, logs, and bark, designed to engage the senses and encourage exploration. It also includes seating areas for reflection and socialisation.
The garden is already being used as part of therapeutic programmes, helping patients with mental health conditions reconnect with nature, build confidence, and find moments of peace during their recovery journey.
Raising Health continues to fund projects that enhance patient care and wellbeing across Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust. To learn more or support future initiatives, visit: www.raisinghealth.org.uk or contact: lpt.raisinghealth@nhs.net.