The project will create an “accessible and sustainable therapeutic garden” by transforming an existing unused space at the hub

The designs for the new Tynemouth Garden (credit Whittington Health) — The designs for the new Tynemouth Road Garden (credit Whittington Health)

Work has started on creating a “therapeutic garden” within the grounds of a Tottenham health centre.

The ‘Tynemouth Road Haringey Children and Young People Health Hub Landscape Garden Project’ is due to be completed in time for families to enjoy this summer.

The project will create an “accessible and sustainable therapeutic garden” by transforming an existing unused space at the hub into a peaceful and beautiful green space. The work, which officially started this week, has been made possible thanks to the fundraising efforts of Whittington Health Charity.

The charity secured £150,000 from NHS Charities Together via their Greener Communities Fund. The support of Starbucks and environmental charity, Hubbub, has been crucial in bringing this vision to life.

Sam Lister, head of Whittington Health Charity, said: “We’re so excited that work is beginning on the garden at the Hub. The creation of a ‘wild’ space at an urban community health centre really is breaking new ground – and we’re very grateful to NHS Charities Together, Starbucks, and Hubbub for their support.

“I also want to stress just how lucky we are to be working with Wild City Studios; their passion for this project and their commitment to giving children and families a chance to experience something special is truly inspiring.”

Research commissioned by the Greener Communities Fund found that eight in ten people feel healthier and more energetic after spending time in nature. A recent report on the benefits of green social prescribing also revealed that the NHS could save £625m a year by prescribing time in nature, highlighting the positive impact the garden could have for children and families using the centre.

Designed and constructed by the award-winning Wild City Studios, the garden has been created in collaboration with community partners, Tottenham Hotspur Community Foundation and SEND Power in Haringey. These partners, together with service users and hub staff, provided expert support in the design and creation of the garden, ensuring it is thoughtfully designed to meet the specific needs of the children and young people it’s intended to serve.

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, or one-off donation.