Garden therapy and outdoor appointments to be made possible with new project

NHS Grampian’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) is developing a new garden space at its Links Unit base in Aberdeen, with the help of local garden designer, Heather Dale.

The garden will provide a safe space for reflection, play, and sensory enjoyment for patients and their families, as well as including a wellbeing space for staff. CAMHS supports children and young people up to the age of 18 who experience persistent, complex or severe emotional and behavioural difficulties that have a negative impact on their day to day lives.

CAMHS Project Manager, Siobhan Cowie explains: “This new garden space will allow patients to have garden and play therapy sessions, outdoor appointments, and allow families to wait outside in a relaxing environment. We’ve been engaging with patients, families and staff members to gather ideas, and we are so pleased to be working with Heather who has created some stunning designs.”

The next step is to bring the designs to life and the CAMHS team is now looking for donations from local businesses as well as volunteers to assist with digging, planting and labouring.

Siobhan adds: “You absolutely don’t need to be a gardening expert if you would like to volunteer with us. All capabilities are very welcome, and we’ll be holding a volunteering day for everyone to work together on this exciting project.

“We have raised enough money to do the fundamental work, but to achieve the full concept plan we are also seeking donations. These can be monetary or in the form of supplies such as timber, compost, plants and tools.

“We’re keen to welcome teams from local businesses who could benefit from an alternative kind of team building opportunity, as well as individuals who would like to come forward to help. We very much appreciate any support you can provide and hope to make a sustainable impact on the environment at the same time as creating something really special to benefit local children and young people and their families.

“I would like to give a huge thank you to Aberdeenshire Timber Shelters who made some beautiful wooden benches our teams are enjoying.”

If you are interested in being involved in this project or would like more information, please email siobhan.cowie@nhs.scot 

Concept View - Overall

Concept View - Outdoor Waiting

Concept View - Staff Area