Skip to main content

Nature and Nurture: A New Garden Wellbeing Initiative for Autistic People in CTM

New Wellbeing Garden

Image of the new green space A pioneering outdoor healthcare initiative launched in Treorchy this July, offering autistic adults a unique opportunity to improve their wellbeing through nature-based therapy.

The project, developed by Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board’s (CTMUHB) Specialised Services in partnership with social enterprise Down to Earth (DTE), will transform a disused occupational therapy garden at Ysbyty George Thomas into a vibrant, therapeutic green space.
The initiative is designed to support individuals accessing the Integrated Autism Service (IAS). It is supported by The Queen’s Institute for Community Nursing NGS Elsie Wagg Innovation Scholarship and funded via the National Garden Scheme, with additional funding accessed by the Regional Partnership Neurodivergence Improvement Programme (RP NDIP) fund.

The programme will initially support 12 clients, with a second cohort of 12 planned following additional funding from the CTM Regional Partnership.

Claire Norman, Senior Nurse, Specialised Services, who is leading the project said: “There is clear evidence demonstrating the benefits of nature on individual wellbeing. Our move to Ysbyty George Thomas provided the perfect opportunity to utilise available garden space to offer alternative support.

I’m also incredibly grateful to the Queen’s Institute Community Nursing (QICN) for awarding this scholarship. It has offered so much more than a financial award; it included three two-day workshops and ongoing monthly peer support. I’ve learned so much about project scalability, sustainability within quality improvement, quality improvement methodology, and academic writing for publication.”

Participants will engage in a five-session programme that includes:

  • Design and planning of the garden space
  • Hands-on gardening and planting
  • Creating a bench/planter and seating areas
  • Rejuvenating raised beds
  • Celebrating the completion of the project

Dr Amanda Young, QICN Director of Nursing Programme, said: "This is an exciting project which will make a real difference to the participants engaging in the garden project.

“Claire is an inspirational nurse and has already secured funding for next year to support more people to have the benefit of the garden programme, but the location will also support visitors to the service, providing a natural calming space.

“Lucy, the project co-lead working with Claire, will really make a difference at Ysbyty George Thomas."

The sessions will be facilitated by DTE, whose 19-year track record includes working with marginalised communities and delivering innovative outdoor health and education programmes.

Kate Denner, DTE Research Lead: said: “This is about more than just gardening; it’s about building confidence, community, and wellbeing through meaningful connection with nature.

“We’re very excited to begin our first project with CTMUHB and forge a partnership that puts outdoor spaces at the heart of healthcare and education. Together with staff and patients, we’ll co-design and co-create accessible, green spaces that support wellbeing and learning.

With over 15 years’ experience working alongside health boards, we’ve seen and evidenced how time in nature can transform mental health, strengthen physical wellbeing, and play a powerful role in rehabilitation and recovery.”

The project will use DTE’s inclusive wellbeing tool, the Emoji Current Mood and Experience Scale (ECMES), developed with Swansea University. This tool is designed to measure improvements in mental health, resilience, and community connection.

Participants will also have the opportunity to take part in Taster courses in Health and Wellbeing Taster or Environmental Conservation, helping to build skills and confidence for future engagement.

In addition, the programme is designed with sustainability in mind. Staff from IAS will be involved from the outset, gaining the skills and confidence to continue delivering sessions independently. There are also plans to expand it by combining nature with art-based therapies.

“We hope this will be an ongoing initiative,” said Claire, project lead. “We’re already exploring ways to scale it up and involve more patients across our specialised services.”

The project was also presented at the Wales Mental Health Research and Evidence Network on 15 July. The network aims to strengthen collaboration between the Welsh NHS and the research sector, helping to identify and understand the research priorities for Wales from stakeholders’ perspectives.

The garden wellbeing project began on 31 July with the first group, marking a significant step forward in how our healthcare services can creatively support individuals.

Additional Information
The National Garden Scheme (NGS) opens exceptional private gardens to the public to raise money for nursing and health charities. It funds the NGS Elsie Wagg Innovation Scholarships to enable community nurses to improve the health of people by using gardens and gardening.

The Queen's Institute of Community Nursing supports all nurses who work in the community in England, Wales and Norther Ireland, through our leadership and innovation programmes, and by awarding the Queen's Nurse title.

28/08/2025