Transforming
Care for Patients

St Charles mental health unit gyms

It’s been known that fitness can be beneficial for mental health and wellbeing. That’s why we helped to fund six fully equipped gyms across six mental health inpatient units at St Charles Hospital, creating new spaces where patients can move, recover, and thrive.

This exciting expansion builds on the success of a personalised physical health programme piloted on Nile Ward back in 2018. Working closely with a collaborative team, the pilot saw incredible results:

• A 51% reduction in incidents of violence over two years

• A 13% drop in significant weight gain among patients

A garden transformation at Rosedale Court

We proudly funded the transformation of the neglected outdoor space at Rosedale Court, an inpatient rehabilitation unit supporting people on their journey to recovery and independence.

During the pandemic, it became clear just how vital outdoor space is for wellbeing. What was once an underused area has now blossomed into a vibrant, green sanctuary—designed to support physical health, mental wellbeing, skill-building, and relaxation.

Today, the garden is more than just a space to sit. It’s:

• A social hub for residents to connect

• A therapeutic environment for growing vegetables

• A calm corner for reflection and rest

Looking ahead, the team is preparing a volunteering role to help care for and sustain the garden making sure it continues to support residents for years to come.

Children’s play equipment at Collingham CAMHS

Every child deserves a safe and stimulating place to play - especially those receiving inpatient mental health care. A £2,500 grant from CNWL NHS Health Charity funded new toys and equipment for the playground area at Collingham CAMHS, creating a more inviting space for children.

Collingham CAMHS is a CNWL NHS inpatient care team providing mental and emotional health services to children under the age of 13, their families and carers. Children take part in a variety of therapeutic activities and attend school at Collingham, whilst parents attend family therapy sessions and can access a number of support groups.

Previously, the playground area had a limited range of toys and activities to engage and stimulate the children. Those that did exist were in a poor state of repair.

After a new, soft and colourful compound surface was placed, funding for the equipment included:

• A basketball hoop

• Table tennis tables

• Wall-mounted magnetic games like snakes and ladders and four-in-a-row

• A football target and trampoline

• Chalkboards and a variety of sensory toys

These additions have turned the playground into a safe and enriching environment.

Sensory Soothe bags for service users at Milton Keynes Perinatal Mental Health Service

CNWL NHS Health Charity funded sensory soothe bags for new and expecting mums at the Milton Keynes Perinatal Mental Health Service, which provides treatment and support for pregnant and post-natal women experiencing mental health difficulties.

During the pandemic, anxiety among women using the service rose significantly. In response, the team came up with the idea to provide soothing tools to help women manage difficult emotions and feel supported on their recovery journey.

Filled with comforting items like hot chocolate, bath salts, and other sensory treats, the bags were designed to help ease anxiety, stress, and depression.

More than just a gift, these bags became a trusted resource — something women could adapt and use throughout their recovery journey and again at times of possible relapse. Highlight cost impact (if known). E.g. Just £25 can fund a sensory soothe bag for a new mum struggling with postnatal mental health.

Transforming space, shaping experience: The Harrow Garden Project

Thanks to funding from CNWL NHS Health Charity and the creativity of local teens from the HUB, the garden at Ash Tree Clinic in Harrow has been transformed into a vibrant, welcoming space for children and young people accessing mental health support.

Originally designed as a sensory garden for people with visual impairments, the area had become inaccessible, neglected and uninviting. But with vision and determination, the HUB group — made up of 16 to 18-year olds who share feedback on CAMHS services — redesigned it into a brighter, safer, and more inclusive space.

Now filled with blooming flowers, gentle wind chimes, and natural beauty, the garden offers a calm place to relax and reflect.

This project was more than a just a makeover — it helped build confidence, inspired volunteering, and gave young people the opportunity to give back to their local community.