Lisi Pilgrem, an Occupational Therapist at Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care in Guildford, has been presented with a Merit Award from the Royal College of Occupational Therapists for her work establishing a new therapy at the hospice, Therapies through Nature.
The sessions, also known as Social & Therapeutic Horticulture, enable patients to take part in gardening and nature-based activities such as making pots of flowers or small planters, which they can then take home or give to loved ones.
Research shows that gardening and being around nature can help reduce stress levels and improve wellbeing, and through these therapeutic sessions patients can build on their skills and experience, improving their confidence and self-esteem by creating something themselves.
The Merit Awards are presented by the Royal College of Occupational Therapy each year to those nominated by colleagues for their outstanding contribution to the profession. Lisi’s award celebrates her efforts in introducing Therapies through Nature to Phyllis Tuckwell, and her continued work to develop it within the hospice as well as promoting it to other hospice care charities throughout the UK.
On receiving the accolade, Lisi said:
“I am thrilled to have received this award and so pleased that these Therapies through Nature sessions have been such a success. It is wonderful to see the difference they make to our patients and their carers.”
For more information visit Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care
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