A collaboration between twelve companies has helped transform unused land at the Lancashire SAFE Centre at Royal Preston Hospital.
The joint effort, through the North West Construction Hub, with companies including Conlon Construction, Tilbury Douglas and Johnsons Nurseries, created a peaceful and private space for patients, visitors and staff.
The SAFE (Sexual Assault Forensic Examination) space now offers a calmer environment when providing care to those in need of recovery, resilience, and well-being following a referral report of sexual assault.
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Gifted through Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Charity, the four-month long project would’ve cost more than £10,780, but was instead delivered as a donation.
Rebecca Arestidou, trust, grant, fundraising impact and project officer at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Charity, said: “We are extremely grateful to all members of the North West Construction Hub and their suppliers, who supported them, for taking on the job.
“They have created what is now a beautiful private garden where those attending and working at the centre can go to find tranquillity, solace, and healing through nature. Men, women, and children from throughout Lancashire are referred to the centre for its help and support.
“Usually, referrals are made by the police, so if ever a place needed an outdoor space like this new garden, which is both calming and uplifting, it’s the SAFE Centre. We know it will be much appreciated by all who use it.”
Flowers, installed by Ashlea Ltd and Johnsons Group, now fill the garden space, along with a complete landscape of the site, seating, and fencing for privacy.
Johnsons Group Managing Director, Graham Richardson, said: “It’s an honour to be part of such a meaningful project.
“Partnering with Ashlea Ltd meant we could donate plants that will contribute to a lasting and restorative green space.”
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