£24,000 plus award will nurture plan for wellbeing garden at Peterborough ambulance station
A wellbeing garden is to be created in the grounds of Peterborough ambulance station to help support medics.
The garden at the ambulance base at Ocean House, Newark Road, will be funded by a £24,486 award that has been given to the East of England Ambulance Service Charity.
Charity officials say the space will provide a much-needed sanctuary and support staff mental health and wellbeing.
A spokesperson said: “It will contribute to a healthier and more positive working environment, while encouraging biodiversity and attracting wildlife to the area.”
Kate Lott, head of charity, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to be awarded this funding.
"It will enable us to transform an underutilised outdoor area into a purpose-built wellbeing garden, providing staff with a peaceful space to rest and recharge throughout their demanding shifts.”
The charity is one of 15 NHS charities across the UK to receive a share of £500,000 in funding from NHS Charities Together, to invest in creating and improving green spaces for the health and wellbeing of NHS staff, patients and communities.
It will be the16th such wellbeing garden created in the country.
The investment in green spaces has been delivered by NHS Charities Together in partnership with environmental charity Hubbub and Starbucks.
Ellie Orton, chief executive of NHS Charities Together, said: “Access to green spaces and the benefits that this brings to our health and wellbeing should not be something limited to a lucky few, but available to everyone across the UK.”
Gavin Ellis, director and co-founder at Hubbub, said: “As well as the direct environmental impact of more green spaces, studies have shown that spending time in nature makes people more likely to make environmentally friendly lifestyle choices.”
Phil Peacock, loyalty, partnerships and digital lead at Starbucks, said: “Green space can make a real difference for NHS staff, the patients they care for, and local communities across the UK, creating calm places for rest, recovery, and healthy lives.”