Designed as welcoming spaces away from the busy hospital wards

Two new dementia-friendly gardens have been created at the Brearley Ward in the Northern General Hospital, thanks to generous supporters of Sheffield Hospitals Charity.

Designed as welcoming spaces away from the busy hospital wards, the gardens offer patients and their families a place to pause, relax and spend time together in a calm outdoor environment.

For people living with dementia, access to thoughtfully designed garden spaces can offer much more than a connection with nature. Time outdoors can provide a sense of purpose and familiarity, encourage gentle activity and offer moments of peace and relaxation.

New Dementia-Friendly Gardens Unveiled at the Northern General Hospital | iconic

placeholder image — New Dementia-Friendly Gardens Unveiled at the Northern General Hospital | iconic

The gardens have been created to support the physical and mental wellbeing of patients while providing families with a more comfortable environment to spend time together. The two gardens are connected by a reminiscence corridor, featuring photographs selected to stimulate memories, lift mood and encourage conversation.

The gardens were supported through the Master Cutler’s Challenge 2025, one of the region’s largest fundraising appeals. Master Cutler Phil Rodrigo chose to support Sheffield Hospitals Charity in recognition of its commitment to improving dementia care both inside and outside Sheffield;s hospitals.

Together, local businesses, organisations and individuals raised more than £114,000, helping to fund projects designed to improve the lives of people living with dementia and their families.

Beth Crackles, CEO of Sheffield Hospitals Charity, said: “These beautiful dementia-friendly gardens show what can be achieved when people come together with generosity, imagination and a shared commitment to support our NHS. They are designed around the people who use them, and will help patients living with dementia feel connected, supported and able to retain a sense of independence and identity whilst in hospital.

“We’re incredibly grateful to our supporters and NHS colleagues, who have helped make these gardens a reality.”

Chris Morley, Chief Nurse at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “There are so many patients living with different stages of dementia in our hospitals, and having spaces like these for patients and their families is truly invaluable. For our staff, these areas provide another important tool to help them engage with and support patients.

“Often, it is these moments and environments that can spark conversations and memories or help to calm someone when they are feeling distressed in hospital. I want to say a huge thank you to Sheffield Hospitals Charity and everyone involved in making this happen. It is a fantastic initiative and one that will make a real difference to the experiences of patients, families and staff.”