The team at Community Health Partnerships are delighted that Penntorr Health’s Wellbeing Garden has been recognised with the prestigious Collaborative Green Space Projects Award at the NHS Forest Awards 2024. This accolade highlights the significant impact of this collaborative project on the health and wellbeing of the local community in Torpoint, Cornwall. CHP is the head tenant at Penntorr Health with the building owned by Community 1st Cornwall (LIFTCo) part of Equity Solutions.
The garden, located within the grounds of Penntorr Health, was brought to life through a collaborative effort involving various organisations, businesses, and individuals:
- The GP team at the Rame Group Practice with the Patient Participation Group
- The Operations and Relationship Manager at Community Health Partnerships, with the wider CHP Sustainability and Social Value teams
- The Property team at Community 1st Cornwall (LIFTCo), part of Equity Solutions
- A grant and support from the Torpoint Town Councillors
- The garden designed by Permaculture Kernow CIC
- Volunteer Cornwall supported the garden development as part of their Primary Care Climate resilience programme
- Many volunteers from the local community.
With funding from Public Health, the garden was designed and constructed over two weekends in Summer 2023 by a dedicated team of staff, patients, and local volunteers, supported by Permaculture Kernow and local businesses.
The Wellbeing Garden offers a tranquil retreat for patients, staff, and the wider community. It features a diverse range of plants, including fruit trees, lavender, and other flowering plants and bulbs. A recycled picnic table, donated by Community Health Partnerships, provides a spot for relaxation and contemplation. There is also an information board explaining the plants, butterflies, and birds found in the garden.
We're thrilled to see the Penntorr Health’s Wellbeing Garden recognised with this prestigious award. This project aligns with our sustainability goals at CHP and the Greener NHS initiative. By creating green spaces and promoting biodiversity, we're not only improving the environment but also enhancing the wellbeing of our patients, staff, and the local community. We're committed to continuing our work in sustainability and creating a greener, healthier future for all.
The Wellbeing Garden at Penntorr Health is more than just a beautiful space. It's a testament to the power of community and the positive impact that green spaces can have on mental and physical health. By working together, we've created a tranquil oasis that benefits our patients, staff, and the wider community. This award is a wonderful recognition of our collective efforts.
Find out more about the NHS Forest Award winners:
www.nhsforest.org/blog/nhs-forest-awards-winners-2024
CHP's commitment to sustainability
Community Health Partnerships teams actively support biodiversity projects across its healthcare facilities. CHP has supported many gardening projects across our buildings, including raised beds, courtyard gardens, vegetable and fruit growing, and wildflower meadows. These initiatives not only enhance the environment but also foster community engagement and support social prescribing activities.
Operations and Relationship Managers are working with local organisations and tenants to enhance biodiversity and create sustainable environments that benefit patients, staff, volunteers, and the environment.
How CHP tenants can get involved?
CHP needs your ideas to promote biodiversity
Have you got ideas or suggestions for gardens, planters and increasing green space at your site? Speak to your ORM and get in touch and let us know.
Please email the description and photos to sustainability@communityhealthpartnerships and copy in your ORM.
Contact the Sustainability Team at CHP
If you are a tenant, an ICS or Trust partner, and want to know more about how CHP can support your sustainability plans, please contact your local CHP Property and Operations team or our CHP Sustainability team.
If any tenants have questions about Sustainability at CHP, our Green plan or any other net zero project please contact the Sustainability team via sustainability@communityhealthpartnerships.co.uk and copy in the ORM for your building.
Sustainability at CHP
As part of the NHS family, CHP supports the NHS ambition to deliver the world’s first net zero health system. Sustainable Facilities are one of our five strategic aims and Sustainability is one of our four corporate social responsibility pillars. Aligning with the NHS target of achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2040, the team at CHP are committed to achieve Net Zero Carbon for the LIFT estate by 2040 and 2030 for our corporate functions.
Recent Garden Projects at CHP Buildings
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