Our St Ebba’s Therapy Garden was highly commended at the BBC Radio Surrey and Sussex Make a Difference awards last week, which recognise local initiatives that make a real difference to our community.
The garden, which was recognised in the Green category, was formerly a cricket ground and pavilion which has been developed into a fantastic local space where young people can receive therapy and where local wildlife and biodiversity are nurtured.
It has been created and designed by our trust and Surrey County Council in partnership with Natural England and Surrey Wildlife Trust. Other key partners include local businesses and volunteers from a vocational programme for adults with learning disabilities.
The garden is used by people with complex mental health and/or neurodevelopmental needs who have struggled to engage in therapy at traditional clinical sites. People receive support for a wide range of symptoms including anxiety, low mood and trauma in an environment which provides ecological benefit for local ecosystems and wildlife, and promotes local nature recovery and biodiversity.
Lisa Royal, Art Psychotherapist at our trust, who runs therapy sessions at the garden, said: “Recognition for the St Ebba’s Therapy Garden shines a light on how nature can reach young people who may find traditional support difficult to engage with.
“In this space, nature itself becomes part of the therapy — offering calm, beauty, and safety, while opening new pathways to connection and wellbeing. To have this approach celebrated at the Make a Difference awards is a huge encouragement to everyone who helped bring the garden to life.”