Ambulance service secures £25,000 for staff wellbeing garden addressing mental health support

The East of England Ambulance Service Charity has been awarded approximately £25,000 (€29,250) to create a wellbeing garden for staff, providing a sanctuary space designed to support employee mental health and wellbeing at the service's Peterborough station.

BBC reported that the project represents the 16th wellbeing garden created with the charity's support, with 15 already in use across the East of England region. The funding forms part of £500,000 (€585,000) distributed among 15 NHS charities across the UK.

Kate Lott, head of the charity, said an underused outdoor area would be transformed into a purpose-built wellbeing garden, providing staff with a peaceful space to rest and recharge throughout their demanding shifts.

The scheme is delivered by NHS Charities Together in partnership with Starbucks and environmental charity Hubbub. It addresses research finding that one in five people in the UK live in areas without easy access to green spaces.

The initiative recognises the specific pressures facing ambulance service personnel, who operate in high-stress environments requiring rapid response capabilities and consistent patient care delivery. Access to restorative spaces during shifts supports workforce resilience and helps mitigate burnout risk.

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 no matter where they live."

Gavin Ellis, director and co-founder at Hubbub, said the fund could make a positive difference to people's wellbeing and the environment. He added that studies have shown spending time in nature makes people more likely to make environmentally friendly lifestyle choices.

Access complete details on the wellbeing garden initiative and NHS staff mental health support programmes.