Croydon Health Charity has been running its first Christmas advert, to launch its Memory Lane Garden appeal.

The appeal needs to raise £160,000 “to bring a piece of home to hospital”, the charity says, transforming part of Croydon University Hospital into a therapeutic garden for elderly patients and those with a dementia diagnosis.

According to the charity, the Memory Lane Garden will provide a peaceful, safe outdoor space, offering a therapeutic environment for patients, helping to reduce stress and improve their overall well-being.

It will also provide a welcoming, calming space for families, where they will be able to connect with loved ones and reminisce in a non-clinical area.

“The Memory Lane Garden will make a significant difference to the health and wellbeing of dementia patients at Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, so I really urge people to support the appeal,” said Dr Nima Hashemi, consultant physician in elderly care.

“Improved mental stimulation and well-being as well as physical and psychological recovery, are just some of clinical benefits that patients will receive through the use of the dementia garden.”

Approximately 3,500 people live with dementia in Croydon.

In 2023, Croydon Health Services NHS Trust saw 1,642 dementia patients in the Emergency Department, with more than half of them requiring admittance to a ward.

Christina Clynes, director of communications and fundraising at Croydon Health Charity, said: “Every donation, no matter the size, will directly contribute to creating this vital resource for dementia care and support the emotional well-being of patients, helping to reduce agitation and providing them with a safe space to enjoy time outdoors, creating a home-from-home environment.”

• You can visit the Memory Lane Garden JustGiving page by clicking here, or text MEMORYLANE £5 to 70085.

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