A new accessible garden designed to support wellbeing and provide a space for learning and community activities has opened at the University of Bedfordshire’s Putteridge Bury campus in Luton.
The Wellbeing Garden has been developed with the Tibbs Dementia Foundation and has been designed to be accessible to people with a range of needs, including those living with dementia.
The garden provides a safe and welcoming outdoor space where visitors can spend time in nature, take part in gardening activities and socialise. It includes raised and lower-level planting beds, allowing people with different abilities and mobility levels to get involved.
Ramps provide access to the flowerbeds and greenhouses, with accessibility considered throughout the design of the space.
The garden has been shaped by advice from the Tibbs Dementia Foundation, drawing on the experiences of people living with dementia to create an environment that is intended to be both practical and welcoming. The university says it will continue to develop the garden with Tibbs’ support and feedback.
Professor David Hewson, professor of health and ageing at the University of Bedfordshire, led the project.
“Leading this project has been incredibly rewarding, and it’s fantastic to see the Wellbeing Garden come to life. We wanted to create a space that is genuinely accessible, welcoming and meaningful for everyone, while also providing valuable opportunities for our students to learn in a real-world environment.
“We’re proud of what we’ve created in partnership with Tibbs Dementia Foundation and look forward to seeing people enjoy, explore, and make use of the garden.”
The garden will also be used as a practical learning environment for the university’s Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy students.
Students will have opportunities to work with visitors, support activities and develop their understanding of how outdoor spaces can contribute to health, wellbeing and rehabilitation.
Professor Gurch Randhawa, director of the university’s Institute for Health and Wellbeing Research, said the project combined student learning with benefits for the wider community.
“This Wellbeing Garden is a fantastic example of how we can create real-world learning opportunities for our students while making a meaningful contribution to the communities we serve. It provides our future health professionals with the chance to develop their skills in an accessible, supportive environment, working alongside visitors and understanding the role that spaces like this can play in improving wellbeing, independence and quality of life.
“We are delighted to have worked alongside Tibbs Dementia Foundation to bring this vision to life. Their expertise has been instrumental in shaping a garden that is inclusive, accessible and responsive to the needs of people living with dementia.”
Sarah Russell from Tibbs Dementia Foundation said the organisation had been pleased to help shape the new space.
“We were delighted to work with the University to create such a welcoming and accessible space and a great learning environment too. It was a joy to be able to share the knowledge and experiences of those living with dementia and that were able to help shape this wonderful resource for the local community.”
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