Volunteering Day Transforms Peasley Cross Hospital Garden
On a bright autumn day in November, something exciting was about to unfold at Peasley Cross Hospital in St Helens. A volunteer event had been organised with the goal of giving the hospital’s cherished ‘secret garden’ a well-deserved makeover.
This beloved green space, lovingly maintained by a dedicated team of volunteers, serves as a sanctuary for patients, staff, and service users alike—a peaceful retreat where they can enjoy moments of calm and tranquillity, surrounded by nature.
The day was led by the GRAHAM Group and their team of contractors, including A&B Engineering and Branniff Joinery whose expertise and enthusiasm helped enhance the garden and orchard area into a peaceful haven for relaxation and reflection.
Joining them was our charity team as well as a dedicated team of volunteers and Mersey Care staff including members from the Participation and Engagement Team the St Helens Recovery Team.
One of the highlights of the day was the invaluable support from 12 students from St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School, who eagerly rolled up their sleeves and got involved with every aspect of the project—from clearing areas and cutting back vegetation to painting fences and building furniture. The energy and enthusiasm of the Year 9 students was inspiring, and it was heartwarming to see them so engaged in making a real difference in their community
A Day of Transformation
Volunteers took on a wide range of responsibilities, from the practical to the creative. Here are just a few of the incredible transformations that took place:
Constructing new planters and seating: Contractors built a number of new wooden planters, which will soon be filled with vibrant plants and flowers. These planters will not only add beauty to the garden but also provide an opportunity for patients to engage with gardening activities fostering a sense of calm and connection with nature.
Painting: Benches were given a lick of paint to improve the look of the garden, offering more spaces for people to sit and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Clearing and tidying: A lot of hard work went into clearing overgrown areas of the garden, making the space more accessible and enjoyable for all. Power washing around the polytunnel and pathways improved the look of the entrance to the garden.
Creating bespoke seating: One of the most special moments of the day came when a student from St Cuthbert’s constructed a bench, with step-by-step guidance from one of the contractors. The bench is now a feature of the newly designed orchard space offering a peaceful spot for contemplation.
Pond area revitalisation: The pond area was tidied up, and the surrounding fence received a fresh coat of paint, giving it a more welcoming appearance.
Tending to the orchard: Overgrown areas were cleared, and an apple tree planted in memory of a volunteer's loved one had a protective area installed around it. A new water feature was also added at the centre of the orchard, enhancing the calming atmosphere of the space.
Speaking of the enhancements to the tree, volunteer, Mark O'Brien, said:
"It's the start of a new chapter for the orchard and my dad. It's just amazing that the school children got involved and are doing this for the garden, and the tree in my dad's memory."
Planting new bulbs and beautifying the garden: The volunteers also took the time to plant new shrubs and plants around the garden, ensuring that the space will continue to bloom and evolve throughout the year.
A Successful Day of Community Spirit
The day was a true testament to what can be achieved when the community comes together for a shared purpose. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds worked side by side to enhance the space, and the end result in just five hours was nothing short of remarkable.
Jaqui Scott, a Mersey Care volunteer who regular supports the chaplaincy and raises funds by making and selling craft items was proud to be part of the collective effort.
“The garden just gives peace and tranquillity off the ward which supports mental health," she said.
"Being surrounded by nature and hearing the sounds of birds and the peace and quiet aids recovery. It’s been so nice to see all of the trades staff joining in and giving their time for free to transform this special place. A really great sense of community to make the garden look better with each person giving a little to achieve this wonderful finished result.”
Jodie Rigby, Clinical Lead for the Adult Community Hub, St Helens was also thrilled with how the community had come together to improve the garden which is used regularly by those working towards recovery.
"Thank you so much to the charity and to all of the contractors, staff members and volunteers on behalf of everyone from Harry Blackman House. We really appreciate the help and coordination and positivity of people, helping us to help others.”
Andrew Fellows, Project Manager at GRAHAM, said:
“Volunteering to enhance Peasley Cross Hospital’s ‘secret garden’ has been a truly rewarding experience. Everyone’s efforts have transformed this serene space into a haven for patients, staff and visitors. By creating a peaceful environment, we’re contributing to the wellbeing of the local community, while supporting Mersey Cares continue their invaluable work.”
Mersey Cares Charity Lead, Joanne Watson said of the day:
"We are incredibly grateful to GRAHAM and the sub-contractors who generously volunteered their time and donated the resources to enhance the gardens at Peasley Cross Hospital as well as the volunteers and staff who helped with the transformation. Their hard work has made a tremendous difference in providing a serene and therapeutic environment which will greatly benefit our patients, services users and staff - including the Recovery Team which supports adults with long-term mental health needs.
A very special thanks to St Cuthberts high school year 9 students who designed a beautiful bio-diverse water feature, adding a unique touch to the gardens.
It was a pleasure to be part of such a successful volunteering event and we are filled with gratitude to receive the support of local businesses and students in support of making a positive impact on the wellbeing of our community."
A huge thank you to all the volunteers, contractors, staff, and students who made this project such a resounding success. Together, we’ve created something truly special — and it’s clear that when a community comes together, amazing things can happen.