The Friends of Teddington Memorial Hospital (TMH) is launching an inspiring initiative amongst its community to lend a helping hand in the 'Pledge a Plant' scheme.

With the profound impact of nature's tranquillity upon mental and physical health, the charity calls for contributions to 'Pledge a Plant' via donations.

The funding received will directly breathe new life into the hospital's wellbeing garden, which acts as a place of solace for its patients, friends, families, and staff during rough times.

Chairman of The Friends, Simon Douglas Lane, remarked: "We're immensely grateful to anyone who can donate this summer. Only because of the generosity and support of local people can we refurbish the hospital garden".

Hospital appointments, admissions or lengthy stays are often a time of great stress for patients who may feel anxious and vulnerable.

Getting outside and enjoying the fresh air surrounded by a beautiful garden can reduce stress and aid the recovery of patients as they take a break from confinement.

Hospital staff and visitors will also benefit from the garden as it offers a space for them to escape stressful and anxiety-inducing environments.

A well-planned and maintained hospital garden offers a range of health benefits to staff who feel more relaxed, calm, and refreshed and report higher levels of wellbeing.

That's why The Friends of TMH are working to raise £20,000 to improve the garden at Teddington Memorial Hospital urgently.

Any 'Pledge a Plant' donations, from small to large, can specifically fund flowers and plants for the hospital garden. More information can be found on The Friends of TMH website.

Scheduled for 19th September 2023, local volunteers, including those from NPL and The Lensbury, charity staff and trustees, will renovate the garden by replanting and restoring garden furniture.

The Friends of TMH is an integral part of funding patient experience improvements at the hospital. Through years of generous donations and organised fundraising events, The Friends has helped establish additional healthcare facilities (an extra paediatric audiology suite) and purchase first-rate equipment (Radiology).

The Wellbeing Garden donation page can be found at https://friends-tmh.co.uk/create-a-wellbeing-garden-for-patients-visitors-and-staff

The Friends of Teddington Memorial Hospital

The Friends of TMH is an essential part of the community supporting staff and patients of Teddington Memorial Hospital by enabling and enhancing the quality and quantity of medical services, facilities, and general improvements above the NHS-funded baseline, ensuring the long-term future of the hospital.

Over the last 20 years, the Friends has mounted successful fundraising appeals and since its inception raised over £8m through the generosity of the Teddington community. This fundraising has enabled The Friends to deliver many improvements that would not have been possible otherwise.

The NHS provides an appropriate baseline level of funding for the hospital. However, supporting The Friends offers local people, organisations, and businesses the opportunity to contribute to valuable additions and enhancements.