A&B Engineering plants seeds of change with garden improvements at Peasley Cross

Tranforming the volunteers garden at Peasley Cross 

Nestled within the grounds of Peasley Cross Hospital in St Helens, is a place cherished by many – a hidden gem often referred to as "the secret garden" by patients. This tranquil space offers so much more than just a place to grow plants; it serves as a peaceful retreat for patients, supporting their mental health and recovery, as well as their families and staff. Whether it's enjoying lunch in the orchard garden or finding a quiet moment of reflection, the garden has become a special haven for all who visit.  

The garden is also a lifeline for many of the volunteers who tend to it, offering an opportunity to work with nature, learn new skills, and grow lasting friendships as well as flowers and produce.

We are incredibly grateful to A&B Engineering for their recent and generous support installing an outdoor electricity feed to the garden's polytunnel, a game-changing addition that will make a real difference to the volunteers. Thanks to their work, the garden now has power for heating in the winter months, ensuring a more comfortable environment even when temperatures drop. Volunteers can also make their own hot drinks on-site, fostering a greater sense of independence. This new capability will also support year-round growing activities, enhancing the garden’s purpose as a nurturing and productive space.

Volunteers are at the heart of this tranquil haven

At the heart of the garden's success are the volunteers who tend to it, led by Sue Pearson, a volunteer who has been with Mersey Care for over 15 years. Five years ago, she was invited to bring her green-fingered expertise to the garden, and ever since, she has been dedicating her Wednesdays, along with a dedicated team of volunteers, to tending to this cherished space. 

Speaking about the addition of electricity and the impact it will make, Sue said:

"Oh, it's just absolutely fabulous. We needed the facility for volunteers to be able to make themselves a hot drink independently without having to ask staff inside the hospital, so it's just wonderful for that. It also means that we don't have to wait now until very late winter or early spring before we can start growing our produce. Electricity outside means we can heat the Polytunnel and can plug in heated seed trays and start the seeds off in warmth. We can work all year round which is really important for the volunteers who want to work at the garden through the colder months. They are incredibly passionate about the garden and can now continue their work year-round."

Bernie Millington, Patient and Public Involvement Coordinator is thrilled at the work carried out and believes it will make a huge difference to the volunteers who tend to the gardens.

"Oh my goodness, this will make such a difference to the volunteers. They will be able to use the donated heaters do they can plant through out the winter, so will be able to generate funds to allow the continuation and the growth of the group. They will be able to make a cuppa for people who visit and themselves as we know this will promote conversation amongst themselves and service users, who might be a little nervous.

"Its been so humbling for them to know that people do care and that mental health is moving away from the stigma it holds. So a very big thank you from them and me and please come along for a brew anytime!"

The garden is also home to the St Helens Recovery Team Gardening Group, and the Friendship and Social Group, both led by STR worker, Julian Hanley, who shares that it is such an important place for relaxation and recovery.  

"We use the garden in all seasons, with both patients and staff enjoying it, rain or shine. With the Taylor and Iris inpatient wards onsite, patients are escorted over daily to experience the therapeutic benefits the garden offers."

The garden's role in promoting mental and physical wellbeing, as well as fostering social connection, makes it a crucial resource for the community and so support from local businesses is incredibly well received and valuable.

Speaking about her team's involvement in the garden upgrades, Dawn Georgeson, Social Value Manager at A&B Engineering, said:

“A&B Engineering are proud to support our local communities and to support the brilliant volunteering efforts at Peasley Cross. We hope the electricity supply into the Polytunnel really supports them over the winter and beyond.”

Joanne Watson, Strategic Charity Lead at Mersey Cares, shared her gratitude for the upgrades:

"We want to thank the team at A&B Engineering for completing this work at no cost. The volunteers are thrilled with the improvements. It’s amazing to see local businesses stepping up to make a positive impact, and A&B’s support will have a lasting effect on the lives of those who use the garden."

This project is part of a broader plan to enhance the volunteer garden, which includes installing new raised beds for growing, adding a path and revitalising the pond area, which is in need of improvement.

We are looking forward to an upcoming corporate volunteering day this November, led by GRAHAM—the contractor building the new mental health facility at Mossley Hill. GRAHAM and several of its contractors will come together for a day of hard work, transforming the garden in ways that will make it even more beneficial for volunteers and patients alike.

Thank you again to A&B Engineering for your generous support, and we are excited about the ongoing plans to make Peasley Cross Hospital’s garden a true haven for all who visit.