New Wellbeing Garden Opens at St Austell Community Hospital

A new wellbeing garden has been unveiled at Shaw House, part of St Austell Community Hospital, transforming a once-empty patch of grass into a peaceful haven for patients and staff.

Designed for Calm and Connection

The garden, designed by Lucy Williams and Jane Everitt of Landscape Architects for Groundwork London, was completed in under three weeks. It now features flower beds, flat paving that curves through the space, comfortable seating areas and a wheelchair-accessible table.

Shaw House is home to CAMHS (child and adolescent mental health services) and MHST (mental health support in schools). The new outdoor space is intended to support these services by offering a tranquil, relaxing environment as part of a broader focus on nature-based health and wellbeing.

Margaret Schwarz, chair of the Trust, spoke at the opening ceremony in front of staff. She then handed over to Tracey Rogers, head of security and the project manager, who cut the ribbon.

Margaret said:

“This garden represents one more step in the realisation of our clinical strategy to have half of our clinical care delivered in non-traditional settings.

“We are trying hard to encourage creative and nature-based approaches to health and wellbeing alongside our traditional care.”

She added:

“As an avid gardener I know that the best place to escape from the cares and challenges of my life is my garden. Digging, weeding, plucking or just sitting and breathing in the varied smells always improves outlook.

“Not just me, very strong evidence says that being in nature is the best medicine.”

📷Staff at Shaw House enjoy the new wellbeing garden.

Built in Less Than 3 Weeks

The physical transformation was led by Trevor Lyon and Jonathon Lyon of Greatford Garden Services.

Margaret also paid tribute to everyone involved, saying:

“Thanks to Trevor and Jonathan Lyon of Greatford Garden Services for their beautiful execution and thank you to Lucy Williams and Jane Everitt of Landscape Architects for Groundworks, London.

“This beautiful new garden provides a space for patients and staff to enjoy. They will benefit from the presence of this calming green space and flourish amidst the beauty.”

“We are committed to using our NHS estate to transform space for the benefit of the people of Cornwall.”

“I dedicate this garden to the staff who work so tirelessly at Shaw House, and to the patients, families and friends they serve.”

📷How the garden looked just over 3 weeks ago before work began.

Backed by the Social Prescribing Programme

The project was funded through the Social Prescribing Programme at NHS Property Services.

Tracey Rogers, who led the delivery of the project, said:

“It has been a pleasure working with our various teams, architects, and contractors on this concept.

“The benefits of the creation of natural wildlife habitats and peaceful sitting areas within this wellness garden are evident from the moment you enter.

“We are at the start of this journey, and over the next few years, it is hoped that this garden will be of benefit to many who use our services.”

📷Pictured, from left: Patrick Keeble (senior estates manager), Margaret Schwarz (Trust chair) and Tracey Rogers (head of security, working as the project manager).

📷The new wellbeing garden at Shaw House