Naomi House hospice garden to become accessible space

Plans on the new Naomi House garden. <i>(Image: Naomi and Jack's)</i>
Plans on the new Naomi House garden. (Image: Naomi and Jack's)
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A hospice garden will be transformed into a fully accessible outdoor space packed with sensory experiences.

The project at Naomi House is being developed with Greenfingers, a charity that designs hospice gardens for children.

The redesign follows children’s and families’ calls for private outdoor spaces where they can connect with nature and spend time together.

Erika Lipscombe, Director of Care at Naomi and Jack’s, said: "We are so excited for the transformation of the new garden to begin.

"It will be amazing to have a space that removes boundaries and 'brings the inside out'.

"Families can spend quality time together in a peaceful, tranquil space, making memories in nature, while also being able to join in with some wonderful activities and experiences."

Each bedroom will have a private outdoor area where families can share quiet moments while staying connected to the wider garden.

The whole garden will be accessible to wheelchairs and beds, with interactive features including a sensory play trail.

A covered play area will work as a “forest school”, allowing children to take part in outdoor activities whatever the weather.

It will feature a rain simulator, sensory play equipment and picnic tables for family meals outdoors.

The playground will have wheelchair, bucket, accessible and standard swings so siblings with different needs can play side by side.

The garden is designed to stimulate every sense with different colours, smells, sounds and textures within reach of wheelchair users.

The design caters for different heights, with taller plants and trees for people who can only look upwards.

Greenfingers raised more than £250,000 for the project through fundraising events, including a trek up Mount Kilimanjaro.

Linda Petrons, Greenfingers Charity’s director of fundraising and communications, said: "We are incredibly proud to be bringing this special garden to life at Naomi and Jack’s.

"From the very beginning, the focus has been on creating a space that works for every child and family who uses it – somewhere they can spend precious time together, make memories, have fun and simply enjoy being outdoors."

The garden will also give hospice staff a quiet place to reflect during their working day.

Greenfingers confirmed Elks-Smith Landscape and Garden Design as the project’s garden designer.

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