Fife sight loss charity opens new sensory garden
A Fife sight loss charity has opened a new sensory garden to improve mental health and reduce anxiety for people with visual impairments.
Seescape’s garden at its hub in Glenrothes has an emphasis on bold sensory elements including brightly coloured plants, fragrant flowers, swishy grass, and birdsong which enables users to engage through touch, scent, and noise.
The space will particularly help people with guide dogs who need to spend time outside, with a safe and controlled setting for mobility training.
It was officially unveiled by Alex Rowley MSP, Mid Scotland and Fife, who cut the ribbon, with Seescape’s Kirkcaldy social group attending the opening.
The garden was funded by the See Hear Fund (Fife Health & Social Care Partnership) and the Mushroom Trust, and was designed by Bruce Moffat from Dunfermline-based BM Gardens.
Seescape, formerly Fife Society for the Blind, supports more than 3,500 people every year in Fife.
The charity runs weekly groups and activities for people with sight loss to get together, have fun and make new friends, as well as a befriending service that helps people connect and get out and take part in the things they enjoy.
Katriona Harding, fundraising manager, said: “People with a visual impairment can benefit greatly from spending time in a sensory garden due to its multi-dimensional, multi-sensory experience. Individuals with visual impairments face unique challenges and barriers in accessing outdoor environments, so our sensory garden provides a safe and inclusive space where people can relax and reduce stress.
“The garden also serves as a safe and controlled setting for mobility training, allowing individuals to gain independence and develop skills that can be transferred to other outdoor environments, increasing their overall mobility and autonomy.
“We are extremely grateful to our funders, and we’re delighted with the results – the garden has been in constant use since it was built, and we look forward to service users benefitting from the peace and tranquility of this beautiful space for many years to come.”
Mr Rowley said: “Seescape is an amazing charity that supports Fife residents with sight loss and is so appreciated by everyone who accesses its services.”