Residents at Main's House, Newtonmore are enjoying improved access to their front garden thanks to partnership between NHS Highland, its charity, Highland Health Board Endowment Funds (known as NHS Highland Charity) and Newtonmore Community Woodlands & Development Trust (NCWDT).
The collaborative project has enhanced the front garden space, creating more accessible pathways that enable residents to spend more time outdoors, connect with nature, and enjoy the changing seasons. The improvements are designed to support mobility and independence, ensuring that more residents can easily access and benefit from the therapeutic environment of the garden.
The project was made possible through a generosity of local resident, the late Marielle Barclay, whose connection to both organisations made the initiative particularly meaningful.
Ian Gibson, Trustee of NCWDT said: “Newtonmore Community Woodlands and Development Trust was left a generous legacy by Marielle Barclay a local resident. Marielle had been a trustee of NCWDT and also spent the last few months of her life being cared for at Main's House.
“The current Trustees knew from conversations with her friends that she had wanted to do something to improve the amenity of Main's House while she was there. Knowing her love of the outdoors improving access to the front garden for residents was a great project for us to support.
“The flower beds and barrels in the front garden have already been improved as they were adopted by a group of volunteers, the Guerilla Gardeners, who receive financial support from NCWDT. This paving work makes the front garden much more accessible for residents.”
As part of the wider enhancement, the newly improved paving complements earlier work by the Guerilla Gardeners who revitalised flower beds and planters to create a more vibrant and welcoming space. Together, the improvements have transformed the front garden into an accessible and attractive area that supports wellbeing, social interaction and gentle outdoor activity.
Shirley Christie, Care Home Manager at Main's House, welcomed the partnership, She said: “Access to outdoor space makes such a difference to the wellbeing of our residents. The improvements to the front garden mean more people can safely enjoy fresh air, watch the world go by, and spend time with visiting family and friends. We are incredibly grateful to NCWDT and NHS Highland Charity for helping us make this happen.”
NHS Highland Charity works to enhance care and patient experiences across NHS Highland facilities by supporting projects that go beyond core NHS funding. This partnership highlights the powerful impact that community collaboration can have on local health and care environments.
Community organisations and individuals with ideas for supporting NHS Highland facilities are warmly encouraged to get in touch. Catherine Myles, NHS Highland Charity Lead Officer, would be delighted to explore opportunities to work together and help bring forward projects that make a meaningful difference to patients, residents and staff:
email catherine.myles@nhs.scot