The Southend, Essex and Thurrock Child and Adolescents Mental Health Service has taken a significant step towards bettering patient care at their Thundersley clinic by creating a new therapy garden, funded by NHS Social Prescribing Team.  

The newly designed garden aims to offer a holistic approach to treatment, expanding the clinic’s services beyond traditional clinical settings. 

Developed with support from NHS Property Services and the NHS Social Prescribing team, the revamped garden will serve as an outdoor extension of the clinic’s therapy rooms. Designed with a sensory calming environment in mind, the space provides a tranquil setting for many activities.  

The outdoor space will be especially beneficial for individuals with neurodiverse diagnoses, offering a quiet yet engaging environment that can help ease anxiety. Not just a peaceful retreat, it’s an interactive space that allows for both individual and group interventions.  

Kirsty Scottow, NELFT CAMHS Administrator, who led on the project, said:  

‘‘We hope the addition of a therapy garden will offer an opportunity to offer an alternative approach to how we deliver therapy, ensuring we meet the needs of all our service users. It will be a fabulous asset to our clinic, and I hope it will provide an enhanced experience for all who access the service.’’ 

NELFT Charity has purchased plants to equip the garden and the team at View Garden Centre in Rayleigh has donated seeds and compost. The team is asking for by table and chairs, additional planting and a shed. To donate please go to Thundersley Clinic Garden | Wonderful.org or contact camhscastlepointrochford.admin@nelft.nhs.uk