Given the year we’ve had, today’s National Smile Day might raise a few eyebrows among many of us. However if we are to take anything from this current crisis, it’s the kindness and resilience people have shown one another, from communities banding together, to the outpouring of love and support for our NHS staff and key workers who are working tirelessly to keep the country together. And having more time to explore our local parks and green spaces has made many of us realise how important getting out in nature is during this difficult time.
So it’s in this spirit that MONPURE is proud to announce its partnership with the 11 Foundation, a charity set up by Carly Cole and her husband Joe to bring more outdoor spaces to hospitals to help ease the burden of COVID-19.
This Wednesday, the first garden was unveiled at The Queens Medical Centre hospital in Nottingham, created by award-winning garden designer Jo Thompson, the recipient of four Gold and five Silver Gilt medals from the RHS Chelsea Flower Show as well as the RHS Chatsworth Flower Show’s People’s Choice award in 2017.
Attendees included Carly and Joe Cole, Jo Thompson and movie star Amy Jackson. After the event, we also managed to visit the QMC Mental Health ward and shared some MONPURE love with the hardworking NHS staff on the ward.
The aim of the garden is to help staff, patients and visitors feel connected to nature and boost their morale, improve mental health and help process trauma as a result. It’s been well established that spending time outdoors can help reduce stress, fatigue, depression and anxiety, and in the grip of the current crisis this has never been timelier.
As part of their support for the charity, we are donating a percentage of our profits to help build more hospital gardens, so more NHS workers and patients can have access to an outdoor space. Keep an eye on our blog and social media channels for more news and updates on this very special partnership.
Instagram @11foundationUK