Horatio’s Garden has recently shared its 2026 annual impact survey, which shows the remarkable difference the Sheffield Garden is making to patients, families and NHS staff at the Princess Royal Spinal Injuries Centre.

As a Regional Garden Partner, we have been involved with the garden since the very beginning, when a team of STEPS volunteers helped Head Gardener Ruth Calder and designers Harris Bugg Studio bring the space to life in spring 2025. Seeing the impact it is now having is incredibly rewarding. 

Impact Survey Results 

Patients 

  • 78% said the garden helped them feel more independent 
  • 69% said the garden distracted them from pain 
  • 64% said they sleep better after spending time in the garden 
  • 53% said using the garden helps improve their hand and arm function 

Alongside these physical benefits, 91% of patients said the garden had a great deal of positive impact on their mental health, while 86% said it made them feel more hopeful about the future. These factors can also support patients’ engagement with rehabilitation. 

NHS Staff  

Every member of staff surveyed believes the garden helps some patients make faster progress in their rehabilitation, and every one believes it helps some patients gain greater functional independence. 82% also said time in the garden helps them feel more effective at work. 

Patients described feeling more confident, more independent and more engaged with their rehabilitation, as well as feeling “human and ordinary, rather than defined as a patient.”

Our continued support 

This November, our team will be helping to plant 1,000 bulbs ready for spring, and we are looking forward to supporting the garden’s Christmas Fayre in December.

To find out more about Horatio’s Garden, visit www.horatiosgarden.org.uk.