Two beautiful dementia-friendly gardens have blossomed at the Brearley Ward in the Northern General, creating peaceful spaces where patients and families can pause and relax away from the wards allowing them to spend precious time together.
Made possible by the incredible generosity of our supporters, the gardens offer a welcome escape from the busy hospital environment and a chance to enjoy the simple benefits of being outdoors.
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For someone living with dementia, a thoughtfully designed garden can offer so much more than a connection with nature. Being outside can provide a sense of familiarity and purpose, encourage gentle activity and create moments of calm.
The gardens have been designed with patients and their families at heart, helping to support their physical and emotional wellbeing while providing a more comfortable and peaceful place to spend time together during a hospital stay.
Connecting the two gardens is a reminiscence corridor, featuring a collection of photographs chosen to help stimulate memories, lift moods and encourage conversation. The images offer gentle prompts for people to reflect on their own experiences and share memories with loved ones or members of staff. It’s hoped the space will help create moments of connection and bring familiar memories to life.
The gardens have been made possible thanks to the Master Cutler’s Challenge 2025, one of the region’s largest fundraising appeals. Master Cutler Phil Rodrigo chose to support Sheffield Hospitals Charity in recognition of its commitment to improving dementia care both inside and outside Sheffield’s hospitals. They took such good care of his own mum that he decided he wanted to do something to give back to other families.
Together, local businesses, organisations and individuals raised more than £114,000 through the challenge. Their incredible support is helping to fund projects that make a real difference to people living with dementia and their families.
Beth Crackles, CEO of Sheffield Hospitals Charity, said:
“These beautiful dementia-friendly gardens show what can be achieved when people come together with generosity, imagination and a shared commitment to support our NHS. They are designed around the people who use them, and will help patients living with dementia feel connected, supported and able to retain a sense of independence and identity whilst in hospital.
“We’re incredibly grateful to our supporters and NHS colleagues, who have helped make these gardens a reality.”
Chris Morley, Chief Nurse at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, said:
“There are so many patients living with different stages of dementia in our hospitals, and having spaces like these for patients and their families is truly invaluable. For our staff, these areas provide another important tool to help them engage with and support patients.
“Often, it is these moments and environments that can spark conversations and memories or help to calm someone when they are feeling distressed in hospital. I want to say a huge thank you to Sheffield Hospitals Charity and everyone involved in making this happen. It is a fantastic initiative and one that will make a real difference to the experiences of patients, families and staff.”
Thank you to every single person who made these gardens go from NHS staff dreams to a reality. Your support helps us improve healthcare throughout every stage of life for the people of Sheffield.
Published: Friday 2nd of October 2026