Brighterway, Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust’s charity has successfully secured a grant of £143k NHS Charities Together to support the long-term health and recovery of their staff, patients, community, and volunteers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The money will be used to fund three key projects over the next two years with each project aimed at enhancing the health and wellbeing of patients, staff and the community.

The first of the three projects, ‘Incredible Edible’ will involve patients, staff, visitors and local citizens coming together to grow and eat fruit and vegetables from large planters in 40 locations across the Trust supporting a healthy lifestyle. There will be dedicated volunteers at each to develop their community garden.

Chris Dixon, Charity Manager commented: “This is an amazing opportunity to impact many areas and people of the Trust. When we emerged from lockdowns, patients, their families, staff and people visiting our facilities stated that connecting with the outside world – other people and nature around them – boosted their mental health and wellbeing.”

The other two projects see the creation of a healthy eating recipe book filled with recipes from staff and patients. The third will look to enhance existing walks, trails and conservation areas across Trust sites under the Brightergrounds project.

Chris continued: “Patients and staff identified the need to be healthier and fitter after the lockdown periods, with mental health issues at the centre. According to the Mental Health Foundation, millions of people felt lonely during the pandemic and working from home saw an increase in loneliness and stress. 

We are on a mission to bring people together, sharing and caring for the environment creates kind, confident and connected communities.”

In collaboration with Southern Health’s community Hospital volunteers and New Forest National Park Authority, Brighterway is working alongside staff and patients to help improve health and wellbeing in the community, creating an environment with activities that bring people together.

If you would like to find out more about this project, please get in touch with us at charity@southernhealth.nhs