Dear Friends


In the midst of grief and bereavement finding a moment of peace, particularly in a hospital environment, can feel impossible.
The bereavement service’s vision is to create a therapeutic Swan Bereavement Garden. A multifunctional outdoor sanctuary, that can help ease the overwhelming emotional distress that often come with loss. The garden will be positioned near the mortuary, nestled away from the public and designed for solace, reflection and connection.
Science has shown us the transformative power of nature in easing emotional pain. Bereavement and grief often trigger a dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system (fight or flight), leading to a heightened stress response, this can create physiological changes to our heart rate and blood pressure creating tension and restlessness.
Spending time in nature has a powerful calming effect on the body, promoting parasympathetic activation (rest and digest) reducing stress and fostering a sense of calm. There is a growing body of evidence to support that spending time in nature has a physiological positive effect on the autonomic nervous system and also on the prefrontal cortex of the brain, lowering the heart rate, reducing stress levels and contribute to an overall feeling of calm.
This special space will be more than a garden. It will provide essential restoration for our bereaved and grievers. The thoughtful design will ensure that all ages and needs are catered for, ensuring a welcoming space with features that promote accessibility, comfort and inclusivity.
The garden will also be available for our dedicated and compassionate staff, who carry the weight of other’s pain every day in addition to their own grief, offering staff a reflective space to honour their own feelings.
The garden will be a place where our community can unite and come together in hope, remembrance, shared support and healing.
This vision cannot become a reality without your help. The space requires some structural changes and landscaping, seating and sensory rich features that inspire peace and hope.
The garden's design has considered elements that support our bereaved to feel a sense of control, provide positive natural distractions, offer an opportunity for physical movement and provide an opportunity for social support/connection. Construction can start as soon as we have raised funds. We have staff and volunteers that are keen to contribute their time, expertise and enthusiasm into the project.
Every donation will bring us closer to creating this sanctuary, offering solace to those who need it the most. If you are not in a position to donate, I would be really grateful if you are able to please share my page far and wide, including businesses who maybe in a position to donate resources.
Death, dying, bereavement and grief are universal, let’s build this garden together for all of us.
Donate today and help the Bereavement Swan Garden take flight.

With heartfelt gratitude.


Danielle
Bereavement Nurse Specialist

Danielle Sadler