A new wellbeing garden for colleagues, patients and visitors has been opened at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, thanks to donations to our official charity. 

Built on the grounds of the old nurses’ accommodation on the north east of HRI, the garden is split into seven zones, providing spaces for socialising and gentle exercise, as well as seclusion and reflection. The designated areas are:

• Arrival and sensory zone
• Meeting and social zone
• Activity group zone
• Wildlife maze zone
• Physiotherapy zone
• Wildflower zone
• Quiet seating zone

This week, CHFT’s official Charity has relaunched, with a new look. Their new identity, including their new logo, is like a burst of sunshine, reflecting on how CHFT Charity beams with positivity, spreading warmth in their hospitals, communities, and across all the work they are involved in.

During their Amazing in Action Week as part of their relaunch, on Wednesday 5 June, CHFT’s Charity officially opened the gates to their Wellbeing Garden by hosting a celebration event. Key individuals from the local community and individuals who helped make this happen were invited to have a guided tour around the garden, as well as understand what the Charity is hoping to achieve in the future.

Emma Kovaleski, CHFT Charity Manager, said: “Thanks to our amazing donors, supporters, local businesses and NHS Charities Together for helping to make amazing happen, and funding our new Wellbeing Garden at HRI.

“Being able to spend time outdoors can have a real impact on people’s wellbeing, and I can’t wait to see colleagues, patients and their loved ones enjoying this beautiful space.

“We have worked closely with colleagues across various services at CHFT, to ensure we develop a garden that is multi-functional and meet a variety of patient, visitor and colleague needs.”