Sensory garden created for adults with specialist needs
Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust’s Ashby House, a respite service for Adults with Learning disabilities and associated specialist needs, held an official opening of a new sensory garden for use by their clients, and staff to enjoy.
The sensory garden will be used as a calming place with plants and decor chosen on their ability to gently stimulate senses.
The garden was formally opened on 10 June 2019 with a host of distinguished guests, staff, clients, and other supporters of the service.
There were so many activities both inside and out for everyone to join in that the rain on the day certainly did not dampen anyone’s spirits.
The adults who use the services at Ashby House have a range of health issues including Learning Disabilities, complex health needs, challenging behaviour and Autism, coupled with other sensory processing disorders.
Kim Norman, Home Manager at Ashby House, said: “I have to thank so many: a tremendously dedicated staff group; many individuals; and support groups.
“All of them have been so generous with their time and the many donations they have made, to help deliver our goal and create this wonderful garden space and the equipment.”
Warwickshire Provincial Grand Chapter Benevolent Fund awarded almost £5,500 towards the garden in their sponsorship of a specialist water feature. Soroptomists International also gave generously, with a donation of nearly £6,000 towards the project.
In total, over £21,000 was raised by the University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire Charity, in association with Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust. Ashby House also raised funds and received significant donations that formed part of the overall figure.
These donations have enabled the garden project to be completed, so that they can be fully enjoyed during the coming summer months.
Grand Superintendent of Warwickshire Provincial Grand Chapter Phillip Hall cut the ribbon for the new garden and also handed the Chapter’s donation cheque over to Ashby House on the day.
Respite plays a vital role for all clients, parents, and carers. It ensures that parents have the opportunity to have a break from caring to recharge their own batteries.
It also gives clients the chance to interact with their peers, develop social skills, and experience new things in a safe environment.
The team at Ashby House are extremely proud of the service they provide, and are always looking at innovative ways to improve the service for the clients in their care.
They encourage community interaction, and like to take the clients out to enhance their learning skills whilst developing their communication and social skills.
The aim is to reduce clients’ stress and anxiety, as well as to help those with sensory processing disorders.