STAFF at the Spire Cheshire Hospital, near Warrington, raised more than £200 for the Mental Health Foundation while encouraging teams to embrace nature during mental health awareness week.
The Mental Health Foundation chose nature for this year’s campaign theme, raising awareness of the powerful benefits of nature for mental health.
The charity also hopes to convince decision makers at all levels that access to nature is a mental health and social justice issue, as well as an environmental one.
Staff at Spire Cheshire supported the campaign by creating and selling their own sunflower gift packs – featuring a selection of sweet treats, as well as sunflower seeds to scatter at home or on hospital grounds.
All funds raised will help to support the charity’s vital research, nationwide community and peer programmes, as well as advocacy work – proposing policy changes to address the underlying causes of poor mental health.
Cheryl Ward, interim hospital director, said: “We’re pleased to be able to support such an important charity during Mental Health Awareness Week.
“If the last year has taught us anything, it’s how vital our mental health is and how urgent access to support should always be available to everyone in our society.
“The staff had a great time supporting the charity and we can’t wait to see our sunflowers blossom and grow over the next few months.”
