Patients from Cross Lane Hospital at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV) in York, are discovering the benefits of nature, creativity and community through a developing partnership with the Stepney Hill Eco Project (SHEP).
Debby Hill, Activity Coordinator at Cross Lane, has help run the initiative which offers both current inpatients and former service users the opportunity to take part in regular sessions at the community garden. The project has quickly become a valuable way to maintain continuity of support and connection beyond the ward.
SHEP describes its mission as: “Helping people build back a fairer coastal community through growing, creative workshops, education, food supply and social wellbeing.” The not-for-profit initiative, founded by Andy Deighton and Sara Nowell, works with a wide range of community groups and hosts volunteer days on alternate Saturdays that are open to all.
For Cross Lane patients, the sessions provide a welcoming and adaptable space. While some take part in general gardening activities, others engage in creative projects such as painting fences and adding colour to the environment. Bringing art into the garden has ensured that there are inclusive options for everyone, regardless of interest or ability.
“The beauty of the space is that activities can be tailored to each person’s needs,” said Debby. “Some people enjoy getting involved in gardening, while others prefer to express themselves creatively or simply sit and take in the peaceful surroundings.”
Set against scenic views, the garden offers a calm and restorative atmosphere. Mindful walks through nearby woods and down to a pond are also available, giving participants a gentle way to connect with nature while supporting both physical and mental wellbeing.
The impact has already been clear. Patients attending the sessions are experiencing improved mood, confidence and social connection, alongside the wellbeing benefits of being outdoors and engaging in purposeful activity.
One patient reflected positively on her experience, sharing how much she enjoyed visiting the garden, making new friends, learning about plants and finding the views particularly uplifting.
The initiative has also helped fill the gap left by the closure of a long-running art gallery group, which Debby and colleagues had facilitated every two weeks for four years. When changes to council-run services brought that programme to an end, the team were keen to find a meaningful alternative that would continue to offer community-based engagement.
The connection with SHEP grew naturally from this previous work. Debby first met Sara Nowell through the A Space to Be programme at Scarborough Museums and Galleries, where Sara worked as an artist. That relationship has since evolved into a partnership that continues to benefit patients today.
Sara said: “Both Andy and I value having patients from Cross Lane attend the community garden, because supporting wellbeing is the whole reason why we set it up. We care hugely about the impact that being outdoors, connecting with nature and feeling part of a community has on mental health. It is amazing to see the same faces returning.”
As well as supporting structured visits, Debby also attends open sessions with her family in a voluntary capacity, further strengthening the link between the hospital and the wider community. Some patients have chosen to get involved in these sessions too, helping to build independence and confidence beyond clinical settings.
SHEP continues to support a wide range of individuals and groups, including schools, young people who may struggle with mainstream education, and members of the wider community. Its inclusive ethos ensures the space remains open and accessible to all.
Through this growing partnership, Cross Lane Hospital is helping people take positive steps in their recovery journeys—demonstrating how connection, creativity and time in nature can play a powerful role in improving wellbeing.
