Patients to spruce up health centre

The Humber Centre, in Willerby, which accommodates people detained under the Mental Health Act, has been awarded a £20,000 grant to spruce up five courtyards.

The patients and staff will work with artists to create garden areas, with the possibility of a having a sculpture installed outside the main building.

“Working with plants and in natural surroundings has been shown to have a really beneficial effect on people’s mental health,” said matron Helen Courtney.

“We are delighted to be receiving this grant as it means that we can make the courtyard spaces at the Humber Centre into attractive, therapeutic areas. The patients are enthusiastic and keen to get started on planning, digging and planting.”

She added: “We are also hoping to have a sculpture outside the main building. The design of the areas will be done by patients and staff. We are hoping that working on the project will help to raise people’s self-esteem, reduce stress and give them a sense of purpose and achievement.”