Let’s Get Gardening in full bloom

8 Sep 2025

On Monday 8th September, we were delighted to welcome our charity supporters and funders to the opening event of the new therapeutic sensory garden at the Bradgate Mental Health Unit. This beautiful space is the result of our successful Let’s Get Gardening appeal, which raised an incredible £25,000 to transform an underused outdoor area into a sanctuary of healing and hope.

The garden was brought to life thanks to the generosity of our community: local businesses, charitable trusts, and individuals who believed in the power of nature to support mental health recovery. We were especially honoured to invite to the event those who contributed to the appeal, including:

·       Asda Foundation

·       Barkby Seekers

·       Clockwise Credit Union

·       Florence Turner Trust

·       Himat Tanna Trust

·       Leicestershire & Rutland Masonic Foundation

·       Leicestershire Traded Services

·       Maud Elkington Trust

·       Next Giving

·       One Stop Community Fund

·       Schreier Foundation

·       Starbucks

·       People in our community

·       Special donation in memory of Dr Angela Knight, from past and present consultants. Dr Angela Knight’s legacy lives on in this garden, reflecting her love for gardening and dedication to patient care.

The Bradgate Unit supports adults with severe mental health conditions, and the environment plays a vital role in their recovery. Research shows that therapeutic gardens can reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD, while promoting mindfulness, self-esteem, and social connection.

Our new sensory garden features a walkway made from varied natural materials like stones, logs and bark, to engage the senses and encourage exploration. Seating areas offer space for reflection and socialisation, enhancing the horticultural therapy sessions already taking place. One patient described the experience as “a moment of stillness in the storm”. That is a powerful reminder of the impact this space can have.

During the opening, guests were invited to take part in hands-on gardening activities, enjoy mindful eating, and stroll through the garden with members of the Occupational Therapy and Raising Health teams. It was a moment to pause, connect, and celebrate what we’ve achieved together.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who made this possible. Your support helps Raising Health continue to enhance patient care and wellbeing across Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust.

If you are interested in our current live appeals please check our webpage for more details.