The Bereavement Service at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) is raising funds to create the Swan Bereavement Garden at Furness General Hospital (FGH).
Danielle Sadler, bereavement nurse specialist at UHMBT, said: “This special space will be more than a garden.
“It will provide essential restoration for our bereaved and grievers.
“The thoughtful design will ensure that all ages and needs are catered for, ensuring a welcoming space with features that promote accessibility, comfort and inclusivity.
“The garden will also be available for our dedicated and compassionate staff, who carry the weight of others’ pain every day in addition to their own grief, offering staff a reflective space to honour their own feelings.
“It will be a place where our community can unite and come together in hope, remembrance, shared support and healing.
“This vision cannot become a reality without the help of our local community – our colleagues, patients, friends and families.”
Named after UHMBT’s Swan Model of Care, which aims to guide its approach to end-of-life and bereavement support, funds for the garden will be used to pay for some structural changes, landscaping, seating and ‘sensory-rich’ features.
The trust says construction will begin “as soon as” the service has raised enough funds.
The bereavement service has already received offers of help from staff and volunteers eager to contribute their time and skills to the project.
Ms Sadler said: “Every donation will bring us closer to creating this sanctuary, offering solace to those who need it the most.
“If you are not in a position to donate, I would be really grateful if you could please share our Bay Hospitals Charity fundraising page far and wide, including businesses who may be in a position to donate resources.
“Death, dying, bereavement and grief are universal; let’s build this garden together for all of us.
“Donate today and help the Swan Bereavement Garden take flight.”
To support the fundraising effort, the FGH Bereavement Service and Bay Hospitals Charity will host a charity evening at Barrow Cricket Club on Friday, September 26 at 7pm.
The event will feature vocal group Voce, with compere Pete Murphy, a disco, and a pie and peas supper.
There will also be a raffle and auctions throughout the night.
All proceeds will go to the FGH Bereavement Office.
Tickets are £15 and can be purchased from the FGH Bereavement Office or The Bereavement Charity Funds.