A memorial garden at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust so NHS staff, patients and visitors have a space to reflect and connect with nature. Created and gifted by The 11 Foundation’s NHS garden initiative and designed by Jo Thompson.

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 to process trauma, especially in the aftermath of Covid-19.

Speaking about the garden, Carly Cole, founder of The 11 Foundation, said: “I am delighted to launch the 11 Foundation with my husband starting with our NHS Gardens concept, in collaboration with Jo Thompson. We both share a passion for the positive impact of mother nature and what gardens can have on individuals and communities. We recognised that gardens are desperately needed resources at hospitals to help boost morale and to improve mental health.”

Jo Thompson said: “I’m a firm believer in the restorative powers of nature. Our NHS gardens have been designed with the immediate and longer-term needs in mind. In addition to creating an environment where staff can instantly connect with nature, to rest, reflect and recuperate; the gardens will also be places to deliver therapy treatments, and host health and well-being activities.”

The 11 Foundation is a charity set up by Carly Cole and her husband Joe to bring garden spaces to hospitals to help ease the burden of COVID-19.