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Staff from Meadow Ward in Bromsgrove have been shortlisted for a prestigious award for their involvement in Meadow Green – an innovative dementia garden. 

Ward manager Sarah Taylor, Occupational Therapist Clare McFadyen and their colleagues on Meadow Ward have been named as finalists in the ‘People’s Choice’ category at the 2025 Design in Mental Health Awards.

The nomination recognises their enthusiasm and vision in creating Meadow Green – a bespoke therapeutic outdoor space that supports patients living with dementia. 

The garden building setup as a convenience shop 

Located within New Haven at the Princess of Wales Community Hospital in Bromsgrove, Meadow Green is a thoughtfully designed outdoor garden area that encourages safe interaction and meaningful activity for patients with dementia.  

Unlike traditional dementia-friendly spaces that use false building façades, Meadow Green offers real, functional environments. Growing evidence shows that these active spaces can be far more effective in supporting care goals and improving patient outcomes.

Meadow Green: Before and after

 A standout feature of Meadow Green is its adaptable buildings, which can be transformed into a barbershop, hair salon, café, or post office using props and decorations. The garden also includes a potting shed, creating a series of spaces that encourage purposeful engagement and provide opportunities for reminiscence and routine.  

“We set out to create an immersive, interactive space where patients could safely partake in everyday activities that support their wellbeing and treatment plans,” explains Sarah. 

“For people living with dementia, simple activities like going to the shop or gardening can have a really positive impact on their wellbeing, but these are rarely possible during a hospital stay. Meadow Green changes that.” 

Jonathan Emery, Landscape Architect at DSA Environment & Design said, “Emails are generally not memorable – but the one inviting us to this project was!  

“Sarah and Clare outlined their vision for an innovative outdoor dementia ward inspired by world-leading practice.  Most unusually however, it was immediately evident they both had a tremendous passion and energy to make Meadow Green special and ensure its long-term success. 

“Meadow Green has significantly improved the lives of their patients, patient’s families and staff.  In fact, they are surprised by how significant the boost in staff morale has been, with staff describing it as ‘idyllic’.   

“Sarah and Clare’s enthusiasm and determination warrants undoubted recognition for the life-changing impact Meadow Green is having on countless patients!” 

Collectively Clare and Sarah said, “We are delighted to have received this wonderful nomination which is a reflection of the entire Meadow Ward team and their collective commitment and enthusiasm for continual quality improvements for our patients”. 

In 2024, the garden was proudly named as the ‘Best Outdoor Space’. This year, it’s hoped that the innovation and enthusiasm shown by the staff behind its creation will be recognised through the People’s Choice Award.

Voting is open to everyone and only takes a moment. Cast your vote using the online form before Monday 28th April: People's Choice Award - Cast Your Vote. To view all of the shortlisted nominees and award categories, visit the Design in Mental Health website: Awards - 2025 Shortlist.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in June.