New Community Garden opens at Fareham Community Hospital

The new community garden at Fareham Community Hospital, Hampshire officially opened on 22 April. The garden has been funded by a generous donation from the family of the Late Alderman Brian Bayford, and has come to life through collaboration between Community Health Partnerships (CHP), Friends of Fareham, Solent Estates Partnership LIFTCo, and members of the local community.

What was a little‑used outdoor area has been reimagined as a lively and uplifting space, shaped through months of collaboration, care and commitment. The garden now offers a welcoming environment for patients, staff and visitors alike—somewhere to step away from busy clinical settings, reconnect with others and find a sense of ease through nature.

Designed with wellbeing at its heart, the space encourages moments of quiet reflection as well as shared experience, recognising the powerful role that natural surroundings can play in recovery and mental health. This approach reflects the wider purpose of NHS LIFT buildings: not only to provide healthcare services, but to create settings that support community life and connection.

As part of a broader network of community gardens across the NHS LIFT estate, the Fareham garden contributes to preventative health by fostering inclusion, supporting emotional resilience and promoting social interaction. In doing so, it offers a calm, restorative backdrop that enhances both physical and emotional wellbeing.

The hospital forms part of the Solent Estates Partnership LIFTCo estate, gbpartnerships provides asset management services to this site via the gbp manage division.

​​​​"Seeing this project come to life is partnership at its very best. Solent Estates Partnership is delighted to support work driven by the passion and commitment of local volunteers and the community, creating spaces that promote wellbeing and deliver real benefits for patients, staff, and local people." Representatives from Solent Estates Partnership LIFTCo.

Read the full news story here on the Community Health Partnerships website.