We’ve donated £2,000 to Oxford Hospitals Charity, to refurbish the Jane Ashley Garden for people undergoing treatment at the Oxford Cancer Care Centre in Headington.
Oxford Hospitals Charity supplies the best medical equipment, research and facilities for patients and staff, going beyond what can be funded by the NHS alone.
The Jane Ashley Garden provides a vital escape for staff and patients from the sounds and smells of cancer wards. It’s used daily by patients spending time with loved ones, to enjoy some fresh air or calm anxiety after a challenging appointment. Access to green space also supports emotional wellbeing and helps to reduce stress.
The garden opened back in 2009 and Oxford Hospitals Charity have undertaken a renovation project to repair and refresh the space, as well as promoting biodiversity. Patients and visitors requested more colour, warmth and softness in the garden so this was key to the redesign.
Our grant has specifically funded flora and fauna, and bespoke hand painted planters by local mural artist Lisa Made It, to ensure the garden remains vibrant and colourful all year round.
Megan Jones, Trust Fundraising Manager at Oxford Hospitals, said: “We’re so grateful to GSA for supporting the Jane Ashley Garden project. It is a special space, and the new artwork is so uplifting.
“These finishing touches may not always seem like much, but they make a massive difference in softening the clinical feel of hospital spaces. This is especially important in places like the Oxford Cancer Centre, where patients often spend long periods during treatment and can feel overwhelmed or isolated.”
Approximately 375,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with cancer every year, including around 3,000 people from Oxford. The Oxford Cancer Care Centre, based in Churchill Hospital, is just a few miles from over 1,000 GSA homes in Blackbird Leys, Rose Hill, Northway and Barton
Lisa Made It, the artist behind the project, explained: “It's been a real pleasure to paint some of my designs in the beautiful roof top garden. I hand painted each of the planters with bright, bold colours, and each design features plants and flowers that are growing in the garden.
“It's already such a calming space, brimming with different flora, birds and insects, there was so much to use as inspiration. I hope that my murals will contribute to the space and add a little joy and colour for many years to come.”
The grant was made possible thanks to our Community Impact Fund, an initiative designed to benefit our customers and localities. Grants of up to £2,000 are available per project to charities and community groups.
Find out more about our Community Impact Fund here.
