Derian House

On 16th July, 2024, the all-new Sensory Garden at Derian House Children’s Hospice was officially opened. 

The garden space, previously only accessible via the main hospice building and overlooked by children’s bedrooms, now features a mixture of interactive zones linked by a central covered space that allows all service users to spend time outside whatever the weather. More importantly, the vital privacy of those rooms overlooking the garden has been permanently maintained.  

As the name suggests, the Sensory Garden combines functionality and privacy alongside places of reflection, fun and memorial. Imaginative and subdued lighting schemes have also been adopted to create interest after dark, whilst new seating areas have been introduced to provide more pockets of quiet and privacy for everyone from young people to family and staff. Specific areas have been created with plants to heighten the senses, offering a truly immersive experience for the children. 

Read more about the garden at Derian House, here.

Why Support Greenfingers Charity?

Greenfingers Charity creates beautiful, therapeutic gardens for children’s hospices across the UK, giving children with life-limiting conditions and complex medical needs the chance to experience the joy and comfort of nature. These carefully designed outdoor spaces provide more than just greenery – they offer a peaceful escape from clinical environments, encourage sensory exploration and create precious opportunities for families to spend meaningful time together outdoors.

These life-enhancing gardens are only possible thanks to the support of generous donors, partners and fundraisers. By supporting Greenfingers Charity – whether through a donation, taking part in events like Garden Re-Leaf Day or incredible challenges such as the Kilimanjaro Climb – you help create and maintain these special spaces. Together, we can continue transforming hospice grounds into places of comfort, connection and joy for children and their families. 

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