Therapy garden opens to help with mental health

The garden in Epsom will be used by young adults and people with learning difficulties

A therapy garden which will support the mental health of young adults and people with learning difficulties has been opened.

The garden is located in a former cricket ground and pavilion in Epsom, Surrey.

It has been provided by a partnership between Surrey County Council and Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

It was built using local businesses, charities and volunteers, and Natural England and Surrey Wildlife Trust helped design it.

Therapy sessions will be held in the garden.

Ruth Leaver-Lewis, senior art therapist at the trust, said: “People accessing the garden can explore ways to relax, restore and revitalise through connecting with nature.

"The sensory elements in the space can help with mindfulness practice, such as: feeling the breeze, hearing the birds and smelling the flowers and plants.

"We also include families and carers in our sessions which supports relationship-building and emotional processing."

The trust said that "sensory elements in the space can help with mindfulness practice"

Mark Nuti, Surrey County Council cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: "It’s wonderful to see the opening of this beautiful space, specially designed to create an inclusive and supportive environment, particularly for those who find it difficult to engage with our other services.

"I'm sure this new and innovative way of supporting people will have a really positive impact on the mental wellbeing of people in Surrey, providing a safe and welcoming space for all."

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