Midwife and Wellbeing Champion, Claire Adams, has recently completed a PgCert in Psychology of Wellbeing and Kindness in the Workplace, gaining a distinction from Sussex University. And she now wants to spread awareness of the benefits gardening can bring to colleagues.
Claire said: "I enrolled following the Covid pandemic, as I was interested in the culture change. Although it was tough going in healthcare in the early days, the work environment and culture seemed to become much kinder. I wanted to understand the psychology behind it and how we could continue to promote kindness and compassion towards each other in the workplace to increase staff wellbeing, which also has a positive knock-on effect for patients."
She's a big advocate for making time to get outside to garden in order to help with personal wellbeing. She added: "I think the photograph of me, right, sums up shift working and maintaining personal wellbeing within the NHS. I am post-night shift, and harvesting my first cabbage. This is the reality of gardening wellbeing. It's about making no barriers to get outside, even if you're between nights. I felt like I'd achieved something - and we ate it for tea!
"Having access to green spaces can alleviate stress and anxiety and can assist in difficult stages in people's lives."
She is also raising money for Greenfingers Charity who provide green spaces for children and parents who have a life-limiting condition. Their work also helps support hospices all across the UK.
Claire's fundraising goal is £80, and you can find out more information on her Instagram page, @no12_garden_house or by emailing her, or contacting her through the Labour Ward or Birth Centre.