Children and young people receiving mental health treatment in the North-east are one step closer to enjoying a new garden space, thanks to a generous donation from Wood.
The oilfield services and engineering consultancy firm has donated £6,500 towards the creation of the garden space outside NHS Grampian’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) building in Aberdeen’s Urquhart Road.
CAMHS supports people up to the age of 18 who experience persistent, complex or severe difficulties that have a significant impact on their day to day lives, be these emotional, behavioural or mental health related issues.
The new garden space, which has been designed by Banchory-based Heather Dale, will allow patients to have garden and play therapy sessions outdoors in a safe, calming environment. The design includes comfortable, sheltered areas for conversations, as well as an outdoor waiting area for patients and family members to wait during appointments.
Tony Dinozzi, Group Head of Mergers & Acquisitions from Wood, says: “We are delighted to be able to support CAMHS and the work they are doing to ensure young people in Aberdeen have access to vital mental health services. We are glad the donation is being put towards a much needed garden space where patients and families can hopefully relax, open up and enjoy being outdoors.”
The project is being supported by NHS Grampian and NHS Grampian Charity. Siobhan Crawford, Project Manager for CAMHS, is leading the project.
Siobhan says: “We are very grateful to Wood for their generous donation towards the CAMHS garden.
“Their contribution will help to create a welcoming outdoor space for children and young people to participate in treatment as an alternative to our indoor setting. This will help us to tailor sessions with patients and work with them in the way they feel most comfortable, and ultimately help us to provide the best possible care for our patients.
“We have received incredible support from the public and staff across NHS Grampian so far, including from more than 50 volunteers who came along to our launch weekend to help prepare the garden and plant the first phase of greenery, and we welcome anyone who has an interest in supporting the project to get in touch.”
Lisa Duthie, NHS Grampian Charity Lead, says: “This very kind donation from Wood will play a vital role in the creation of this new garden space, which will benefit all the patients and families attending appointments at CAMHS, as well as the staff providing the service.
“The public fundraising campaign to support the garden is ongoing, and members of the public can donate via our website or on our JustGiving page.”