AN inclusive gardening project has been launched at Newton Community Hospital.

Patients, visitors, and NHS staff at the Newton-le-Willows hospital will have the opportunity to use the newly improved garden space.

The project is led by social care charity Community Integrated Care and will offer an inclusive space for people with learning disabilities, autism, and mental health concerns to socialise and develop new gardening skills.  

The inclusive gardening project, funded by Renova, a healthcare investor, and Community Health Partnerships, who provide facilities management for various NHS services at the hospital, follows a successful launch to the gardening club last year, which saw £13 in social value created from every £1 invested.

St Helens and Knowsley NHS Trust also provided support for the project.

St Helens Star: The project will provide further opportunities for last year's volunteers The project will provide further opportunities for last year's volunteers

John Hughes, Director of Partnerships and Communities at Community Integrated Care, said: "The Newton Community Hospital gardening club was an incredible success in its first year. It has created life-changing opportunities for many people who access care and support, and enabled care services across the region to connect with a passion for gardening.

"Renova and CHP should be commended for their vision in backing this project. On behalf of Community Integrated Care, I would like to thank our partners for their real commitment to making a difference to the lives of people who are frequently overlooked in society."

The launch of an inclusive gardening project will create a space to form friendships and develop skills, as well as further opportunities for last year’s volunteers.

Improvements to the garden space and an online learning programme will also take shape following the project’s launch.

St Helens Star: The project will bring improvements to the hospital's garden space The project will bring improvements to the hospital's garden space

Simon Waters, Community Health Partnerships National Lead for Social Value, said: "We are delighted to continue our support of the garden project at Newton Community Hospital in partnership with Renova and Community Integrated Care.

"We understand that gardening and horticultural therapy reduces anxiety and improves overall well-being whilst also helping to combat loneliness and social isolation.

"It is for these reasons that it’s so important to have projects such as this in the heart of the community and we look forward to seeing the garden and the users thrive over the coming year."

Shaun Anders, Renova General Manager, added: "We are proud to continue our funding for the inclusive gardening project at Newton Community Hospital which is not only offering unique opportunities to those in social care but also offering a huge boost to everyone at the hospital with a welcoming garden space to enjoy.

"We look forward to the project and community garden continuing to take shape over the coming months."

Community Integrated Care is the official Social Care Partner of the Rugby League World Cup taking place in Autumn, with the tournament set to be a key theme of the planting work at the hospital.

There are also plans for staff and volunteers to meet with RLWC representatives and players later this year.