Published on: 4 July 2025
A previously unused green space has been transformed into an operational allotment to boost the wellbeing of mental health inpatients at St George’s Hospital in Stafford.
The allotment provides a safe and quiet space for patients on the adult and older adult acute mental health wards to enjoy time out of the ward environment and to engage in horticultural activities which maintain or improve their mental and physical wellbeing.
Patients access the allotment in weekly group sessions and on an ad hoc one-to-one basis with ward Occupational Therapists (OT), growing vegetables, salad items, and herbs from seed to use in OT run cooking sessions, fostering independence, promoting healthy eating habits and encouraging a sense of community on the ward.
Floral plants are grown to provide colour and scents, providing an enjoyable sensory rich outdoor space in which to relax and participate in mindfulness. Patients have also enjoyed working with a variety of artists through MPFT’s Arts for Health projects, to create artwork for the allotment.
Feedback shows how the allotment has improved the patient experience:
- “Relaxing mentally and physically.”
- “Took me away from reality for a while.”
- “It was relaxing and good for communicating with other patients and staff.”
- “It is lovely to smell the mint and flowers.”
- “Reminded me of growing vegetables as a child.”
The Inpatient Occupational Therapy Team initiated the project, securing a National Lottery grant and charitable funds. An appropriate site on the hospital grounds was identified and groundwork preparation and build works commenced. The team took over the allotment last year and have developed the site further with seating and the establishment of a successful planting programme.
Stephanie Haig, Advanced Occupational Therapist and Sensory Integration Practitioner, who has been instrumental in the establishment and development of the allotment, said: “I am so proud of all the hard work by the Inpatient Occupational Therapy Team to help make the allotment a reality. It provides a therapeutic space for individuals to access during their time on the wards, to learn new skills, develop a new hobby, or reignite enjoyment of past interests. It fosters a connection with nature which offers multiple wellbeing benefits.
“Being immersed in a quiet and safe green space, providing a sensory rich experience, the allotment offers opportunities to make new social connections and to get involved in growing produce from seed to plate. It really does offer something for everyone.”