A quiet area dedicated to the survivors of childhood abuse has been recreated alongside the lake at St Mary’s Hospital in Newport.
The ‘Seahorse Garden’ replaces the former garden created at St Mary’s 17 years ago by local volunteers and representatives of Island childhood abuse charities, led by Carmelle Ryan-Sammon. Carmelle hopes re- establishing the Garden at St Mary’s will encourage continuing recognition and support for current and future survivors of childhood abuse.
The garden has been designed by Healing Arts and features a large sculpture of a seahorse together with wooden seating both of which have been carved from trees felled on the St. Mary’s Hospital site. The walkway through the garden is lined with specialist trees which will flower in each of the four seasons.
Commenting at the opening of the garden, Guy Eades, Healing Arts Director, said:
“It is marvellous that we have been able to re-establish the garden at St. Mary’s. which was originally created by volunteers across the Island in 2000 in recognition of all persons for have survived childhood abuse.
“The new garden is there for anyone to visit and enjoy and is located in a sunny and tranquil space over the bridge and alongside the lake at St. Mary’s.
“We are also delighted that we have been able to secure the input of three Island businesses and artists to help us create this garden. Do visit and have a look.”
The ‘Seahorse Garden’ for Survivors of Childhood Abuse was officially opened by Eve Richardson, Isle of Wight NHS Trust Chairman, on Wednesday (3rd May). The garden has been funded by he Trust Charitable Funds and Healing Arts.
