NHS Lanarkshire marked World Mental Health Day (Thursday, 10 October) with a vibrant showcase of activities at the recently opened King George V Community Garden in the grounds of University Hospital Wishaw.
This year’s theme, ‘Workplace Mental Health’, emphasised the importance of addressing mental wellbeing for the benefit of staff, organisations, and their communities. The event highlighted practical activities that can support positive mental health in the workplace and beyond.
The garden was a hive of activity, welcoming volunteers, patients, members of the public, and pupils from St Thomas’s and Berryhill primary schools. Attendees participated in a diverse range of activities, including:
- Gardening and planting sessions
- Mindfulness workshops
- Running and cycling demonstrations
- Arts and crafts activities
These activities were designed to demonstrate accessible ways to promote mental wellbeing that can be easily incorporated into daily life and work routines.
Several organisations were present, offering information and resources on mental health support. NHS Lanarkshire’s Tobacco Control Team and Health Promoting Health Service representatives were on hand to discuss the mental health benefits of engaging with nature and regular exercise.
The Tobacco Control Team also unveiled the new garden shed which incorporates designs local school children had drawn for the smoke-free mural.
Vicki Trim, health improvement lead, University Health & Social Care North Lanarkshire, said: “World Mental Health Day provided the perfect opportunity to showcase the benefits of outdoor activities and connection with nature for maintaining good mental health.
“The community garden event demonstrated how simple activities can have a profound impact on our wellbeing. We also now have our wonderful shed with its eye-catching smoke-free mural. It was very apt that the mural is now completed as we know people with poor mental health are more likely to smoke.
“We’re eager to raise awareness of this garden as a valuable community resource. It’s open to all members of the public and community groups for green health activities.
“Research consistently shows that these activities can significantly benefit both physical and mental health. The enthusiastic participation we saw today, from a diverse range of people, is truly encouraging.”
The King George V Community Garden is part of NHS Lanarkshire’s broader initiative to promote green spaces across the area for community wellbeing. The health board encourages Lanarkshire residents to explore and utilise these spaces for their health benefits. The work of CCI to deliver the hospital gardens is funded by NHS Charities Together and Greener Communities.
