A Band of Brothers transforms OCDEM garden
13/05/2021
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This week, 10-16 May 2021, is Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week, and to celebrate we're sharing some really lovely news with you.
On Sunday 2 May 2021, local charity A Band of Brothers (Oxford) spent the day at the Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (OCDEM) on the Churchill Hospital site in Oxford, improving a wonderful green space for our patients, staff and visitors.
Seven enthusiastic men cut back borders, removed weeds and improved the raised beds. They transplanted an olive tree, pruned apple trees and planted sweet peas; they repaired the wooden benches, laid paving slabs and so much more - as well as some general tidying up and litter picking.
They also cut back quite a lot of bushes that had been blocking daylight out from the clinical and research areas of the building.
We are beyond grateful to our community partners when they support us in this way: green spaces and garden areas are so important for patient wellbeing and recovery - and they don't do our staff any harm, either.
Garry Tan, Consultant Physician and OCDEM Clinical Lead, says:
"This marvellous work has helped to lift the spirits of patients, staff and visitors as we emerge from one of the most challenging times the NHS has ever faced. The gardening work by A Band of Brothers has enabled light to flood into previously dark clinical and research spaces, while the benches will provide staff and patients an outside space to sit and enjoy the summer. We are enormously grateful to the team."
A Band of Brothers provides support to vulnerable young men in difficult circumstances, introducing them to mentors and role models from a diverse range of backgrounds, and enrolling them on life-enriching programmes to help them overcome the problems that can arise from a very challenging start in life, such as poor mental health and addiction.
Phil Pritchard, Operations Co-ordinator of the Oxford Group of A Band of Brothers, says:
"It was great to come to the Churchill hospital and thank the NHS workers by helping improve the gardens for staff and visiting patients.
"A Band of Brothers exists to support social wellbeing and make our communities safer by working with some of the most uncared for young men in our society. We all benefit from and want to express our gratitude to the NHS staff."
It is important to mention that all the necessary health and safety measures were taken, including measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Find out more about the charity A Band of Brothers on their website and Facebook page, as well as details of how you can support them.
Pictured: A Band of Brothers volunteers working outside OCDEM on the Churchill Hospital site