Planting seeds to help patients blossom
Spring has sprung and Cefn Coed is about to look blooming lovely.
A huge colourful mural is about to be unveiled at the hospital as part of a project to rejuvenate an outside area of Clyne Ward which supports female patients, who have helped inspire the design.
OT technical instructor Louise Bevan said: “The outside area is currently a pretty bland-looking place, so we wanted to do something to brighten it up.
“We wanted something that is colourful and joyous that would rejuvenate the area, and help to create a relaxing environment, and help with the patients’ wellbeing.”
Patients on the ward were invited to draw designs which were incorporated into the finished work by artist Alisha Withers of Swansea design company Fresh Creative.
The work has been facilitated the Mental Health and Wellbeing Project for Swansea Council for Voluntary Services (SCVS), which places volunteers on mental health wards across Swansea Bay UHB, to support patients’ wellbeing and to link them to appropriate services to support their ongoing recovery.
Volunteer development officer for SCVS Polly Gordon said: “We had a discussion with Louise and ward staff about how we could make the outdoor area on Clyne Ward more attractive, welcoming and therapeutic.
“Another SCVS project called Our Neighbourhood Approach was able to fund what is a fantastic and bright mural. Patients and ward staff were all involved in deciding the finished design.”
The mural is to be followed by the introduction of some real vegetation, to encourage some green-fingered activities for patients.
The biodiversity project will encourage patients to grow and nurture plants, which can then be used in cooking activities, or for patients to take home when they leave the hospital.
Clyne Ward activities coordinator Sharon Jameson added: “We want to introduce some potting where patients can get involved in planting and growing their own vegetables, which we can then use later in kitchen activities.
“It means we can use the area therapeutically, making a safe environment where patients can relax and get involved with some simple gardening, and nurture the flowers and vegetables which they plant.
“Together with the mural, we are hoping to improve the look of the area and help with their wellbeing while doing so.”
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