Green-fingered Doncaster gardener creates little oasis of tranquillity

A green fingered gardener has created a little oasis of tranquillity at a Swallownest unit for people with mental health needs, thanks to a programme of vocational support for patients.

The Goldcrest Ward gardens at Swallownest Court Mental Health Unit, which is run by Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH), has been transformed by patient Tony over the past few months after he was supported by the Trust’s Job Well Done project.

The Job Well Done initiative was launched in 2016 to help patients discover new or past skills and interests, encouraging them to build the confidence and experience to develop wider links into the community, gain employment, or enter voluntary work.

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RDaSH Senior Occupational Therapist Beth Sidaway said: “Tony is a fantastic example of how our project works.

“He told us he was missing his garden at home, so we’ve provided him with the right support and access to tools and equipment in a safe, supportive environment where he can flourish.

“He’s devoted his time - whatever the weather - to lovingly restore our gardens into bloom and we’re extremely proud of everything he’s achieved. We’d like to say a big thank you to him for making our outside space such a therapeutic and relaxing place for our patients and staff.”