Serenity garden opens for patients in Dartford

A new garden space has opened at Littlebrook Hospital in Dartford to enhance patient wellbeing and aid personal growth.

The project, led by occupational therapists Fleur Hinds and Elizabeth Ojeola, has seen the transformation of a previously bare and worn-down space into a garden with greenery, flowers, a vegetable patch, socialising areas and a chicken coop.

The aim was to create an environment where patients could feel at peace and get involved with activities, such as harvesting vegetables and engaging in pet therapy, to improve patient wellbeing and aid personal growth, contributing to our holistic care model.

Elizabeth Ojeola and Fleur Hinds, Occupational Therapists at Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust who led the project said:

“We wanted to create something that aligned with the trust’s strategy to develop resources for reducing violence and aggression on our wards. The unique multi-function serenity garden aims to create a sense of purpose and belonging for our patients which can reduce stress and anxiety and in turn reduce aggressive behaviour.”

Thank you to the volunteers at Mears and Karen Steven’s Volunteer Service who helped to build and maintain the upkeep of the beautiful space. We are also grateful to The Dartford Lions Club, a local community organisation, for their generous donation of a sustainable chicken coop.