New look for children’s garden

Volunteers have transformed a garden for sick children at Addenbrooke’s. The garden attached to ward D2 gives children a space to go and play outside, allowing them to take a break from the hospital environment. The garden has been well-used over the years and begun to show some signs of age. But after many hours of hard work, the garden has been revamped with new features including a giant chess board.

Active, a group that gives young patients a voice at Addenbrooke’s, helped shape the new look. Made up of more than 30 members aged eight to 18, Active has contributed ideas to the final design through their regular meetings with senior hospital staff. Rachel Slade, Active board co-ordinator, said: “Members of Active were very enthusiastic about the D2 garden project and came up with some great ideas. They’re pleased that their input has helped shape the new design and hope lots of children will enjoy it.”

Dr Mary Archer, Chairman of Cambridge University Hospitals, with volunteers in the D2 garden.

WellChild, the national charity for sick children, took the project on as part of their Helping Hands scheme, where volunteers and organisations are approached to donate their time. Volunteers from Cambridge Broadband Networks provided the workforce for the garden transformation. They added new flooring areas, reseeded the lawn and replanted beds and borders. Existing play equipment was refurbished and a chalk board was added, alongside the chess set.

Christine Baines, Therapeutic Play Manager Children’s Services, said: “Thank you to everyone involved for all the hard work. There are so many little things that have been done for the kids to enjoy. We love the chalk board and chess board. The garden looks amazing – it’s so much better. The children are going to love it.”