The South Eastern Trust recently hosted a special Appreciation Day at the Victorian Gardens in the Downshire Hospital to recognise and thank the many groups who use the gardens and take part in the wide variety of activities there throughout the year.
The event was an opportunity for all of the groups to come together, network and share the projects they have been working on.
(l-r):Suzanne McCombe (Specialist Occupational Therapist, South Eastern Trust), Bridgene Savage (Senior Manager, Mental Health, South Eastern Trust), Emma McEvoy (Business Assurance Support Manager), Roisin Coulter (Chief Executive), Nicola Maybin (Mental Health Information & Records Manager, South Eastern Trust) and Clare McCawley (Garden Manager, South Eastern Trust) with some of the flowers and produce from the gardens.
Each group showcased their contributions to the gardens and reflected on the benefits these green spaces have brought to their members. Everyone who came along heard powerful personal testimonies, shared their lived experiences and described how the garden has had such a positive impact on their wellbeing.
Groups involved included both children and adults from a diverse range of backgrounds and services, such as the South Eastern Trust’s Mental Health Inpatient Units, Addictions Services, the Probation Board for Northern Ireland, the GP Federation, Forest School and the Disability Hub, among others.
The day was filled with a sense of joy and pride, celebrating how the gardens bring people together from across the community, including service users, volunteers and staff, to enjoy nature and a shared purpose.
Some of the groups who attended the special appreciation day at the Victorian Gardens.
South Eastern Trust Chief Executive, Roisin Coulter, attended the event and said: “The Victorian Gardens is a truly special place, providing a sanctuary that supports the health and well-being of so many people.
“It was wonderful to see first-hand the creativity, teamwork and personal growth that these projects inspire.”
South Eastern Trust Business Assurance Support Manager, Emma McEvoy added: “We have been working hard with the groups and with our colleagues in our Estates and Planning Teams, to enhance the experience for all garden users.
“We are continuing to develop the garden space, ensuring it remains a welcoming, inspiring and inclusive environment for everyone.
“The management team is really excited for the future, which is bright for the garden as we continue to grow in strength with the local community to promote well-being, recovery and hope.
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