Work has begun to transform our large garden into a purpose built, trauma informed space in central Southampton for clients who have experienced domestic and/or sexual abuse. Talking to our service users, staff and volunteers we have developed a garden design which will enable people of all ages to connect with nature as part of their recovery from abuse. Plans shown below.
We hope that this will become a calming, wellbeing space for everyone to use. The chosen design focuses on nature, with paths winding through the space to areas for natural play, seating where you can sit and reflect, and an outside garden pod we can use all year round. Trees, shrubs and plants will create a secluded, safe and beautiful space; including a ‘shady woodland’ area and sunny borders with native species and wild flower planting to encourage wildlife and pollinators.
Research shows that high-quality nature spaces support good mental health and recovery from trauma. Sadly, these spaces are not available equally to everyone in the UK and many of our clients are not able to access the benefits of nature in their daily lives. We want to ensure our clients are able to access the benefit of nature in their recovery work with us. Our new trauma informed garden will be accessible with a new entrance to the garden and paths throughout.
We would like to thank the Help to Create Hope Trust, Bernard Sunley Foundation, and The Wolfson Foundation and kind donors Alison and Chris who gave a donation following their wedding, for their generous support with the project.
The project is being delivered by local contractor Build by Just Limegrass.
