30th August 2018

University Centre South Devon (UCSD), continues to respond the recent national push for greater mental health awareness with the creation of a specialised student therapy garden. Due to open in October 2018, the garden will offer our higher education students a quiet and private space to use at times when feeling the need for tranquillity.

Following the student led campaign in 2017 to raise the awareness of Mental Health, in collaboration with the Lions Barber Collective, which was recognised at the 2017 NUS Awards, the new therapy garden will directly address the national outcry for greater provisions for students with mental and emotional distress, within the UCSD community.

This innovative project has been made possible with help from the University of Plymouth, and local fundraising projects coordinated by UCSD students and staff along with practical support from South Devon College Construction apprenticeship students and Level 3 Horticulture students.

Located at the main UCSD campus, the garden will consist of relaxing scented plants such as lavender and camomile, a pond with running water, and a summerhouse for use during the winter months. The garden has been designed to be inclusive for all UCSD students, with wheelchair access and plants for both visual and hearing impairments, and will help to encourage local wildlife in creating a peaceful environment.

Across the UK there are calls for greater mental health awareness with increasing number of students and young people suffering from conditions such as depression and anxiety.

UCSD is committed to providing a learning environment to cater for all students from a variety of backgrounds. For more information email university@southdevon.ac.uk

For more information about this story please contact Guy Marsden, Marketing & Communications Officer at guymarsden@southdevon.ac.uk or on 01803 540563.