An underused concrete courtyard at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (WWL) has been completely transformed into a vibrant, therapeutic oasis.
Led by Greenmount Projects, a dedicated collective of local contractors came together via the 'Match My Project' platform to design and deliver a functional and welcoming rehabilitation garden at the Jean Heyes Reablement Unit at Leigh Infirmary. This thoughtfully designed outdoor space is set to become a vital resource for patients, helping them rebuild their physical mobility and confidence as they transition back to independent living.
The Jean Heyes Reablement Unit plays a key role in supporting individuals back toward independent living, and this thoughtfully designed outdoor area is intended to become a meaningful part of that process. To plan the space, Greenmount Project’s design and management team met with nurses and staff from the unit to explore ideas and ensure the garden best meets the needs of the patients. Now delivered, the space provides a vital resource for those recovering from physical injuries and mobility challenges.
Mary Fleming, Chief Executive of WWL, said: “Everyone who contributed to this garden has shown just how deeply they care about our patients and staff. The scale of this project is incredible, and every detail has been thoughtfully designed with patient recovery at its heart. Not only does this space offer a practical environment to help our patients return to independent living, but it also provides a vital sanctuary for staff wellbeing. Thank you to everyone involved - this is a brilliant example of true partnership working. The partnership will continue beyond the garden's completion, with students from Wigan & Leigh College working alongside staff and patients to maintain the flower beds, strengthening links between young people, the Trust and the older generations.”
“To be able to have the equipment, have the space, and have the facility will allow the patient to gain more confidence,” says Lorraine Pilkington, Deputy Unit Leader at Jean Heyes.
The project has been completed by a collective group of companies, including Greenmount Projects, MAC Construction, Standish Energy, MKM Building Supplies, Bolton Building Merchants, Smart Group, AGUA Fabrics, Westone Construction and AMK Signs. Utilising their wealth of knowledge and expertise, each partner contributed time, resources, and materials to help bring the garden to life. It is a collaborative effort grounded in community spirit, with the shared goals of improving patient wellbeing and enhancing local care environments.
Speaking on the project, Cllr Chris Ready, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Neighbourhoods at Wigan Council said: “I think what strikes me about this particular project is just how special we are in Wigan.
“You would be hard pushed to find relationships in the country that bring together brilliant businesses, do important things and care about our people.
“What this will do is not only create a caring, compassionate space for people in their hour of need but also provides a space to support the families of patients too.
“We’ve got fantastic business leaders and partners in the borough that do amazing things and following on from projects like this I think we can go from strength to strength.”
The garden is a place where patients can build confidence while practicing mobility skills under professional supervision. One of the key features is an outdoor step set with bilateral rails, designed to replicate common household access challenges. This addition will allow patients to rehearse movements in a realistic yet safe setting. For many families, encouraging a loved one to venture outdoors during recovery can be difficult. This space is intended to support that journey by helping patients take those crucial first steps, both physically and emotionally, while still under the care of their healthcare team.
The initiative is being channelled through Match My Project as a spotlight piece of collaboration. Match My Project is a platform that connects community organisations with socially responsible businesses willing to offer skills, time, and resources for good causes. It enables impactful local projects, like this one, to become reality by pairing needs with companies that care.