As the sounds, smells and colours of summer arrive at Kirkwood Hospice, our gardens and outdoor spaces become more and more part of the care we offer to our patients and families. For one particular group of patients– our Grow Group- summer brings with it the chance to get back outside in the fresh air and rekindle their passion for gardening, planting and growing.

By supporting each other in a caring environment, our Grow Group is helping to show how taking part in everyday activities such as gardening helps people remain independent and active. For some, Grow Group helps them get back to doing something they have always loved, while for others, it’s a way to socialise and try something new.

“All of our grow group members feel a sense of pride and achievement in what they contribute to our gardens. They grow fruit and vegetables, which are used for pickling or cooking, and plants and flowers that brighten up the Hospice grounds for everyone.

“It also builds confidence and encourages independence. One who joined our group recently has found the confidence to get back outside and gardening for the first time in years.” Sister Elaine Gill (Support & Therapy)

Our Grow Group receives no funding, which means we need to raise money each and every year to ensure it has the resources it needs to keep going. We need your help to continue providing important programmes like Grow Group, along with many others, so that our dedicated Support & Therapy team can help more people to maintain and improve their quality of life. We currently need funds to buy a greenhouse, seeds, compost and planters for our patients to create beautiful flower displays.

Please donate today. With your help, we can raise as much as possible to fund our Support and Therapy department. Some of the money raised will be used to pay for a new greenhouse. Anything extra raised will help the Support & Therapy team to continue developing the Grow Group and other vital programmes like it.