Crime & Safety
Oxford psychiatric unit space transformed into garden
The University of Oxford and Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust project created a therapeutic horticulture garden at the Meadow Unit, a Tier 4 Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) psychiatric intensive care unit.
Designed for young people in acute mental health crisis who need intensive, highly supervised care, the unit featured an outdoor area that staff described as ‘barren’ and ‘depressing’.
The project was part of a broader study into how nature can support recovery and benefit wellbeing for both patients and staff, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre.
One co-researcher reflected: “It was so barren out there and depressing… so actually having some wildlife there, some plants, some bees, it adds some humanity.”
The scheme was developed through co-production, with medical and non-medical staff, ex-service users, estates colleagues, researchers, and a therapeutic horticulturalist collaborating over seven sessions between January and July 2024.
They discussed all aspects of the garden, prioritising colour, scent, herbs for cooking, places to sit, things to touch while ensuring every plant met strict safety requirements.
Estates staff improved topsoil and installed a cladded path for safe, mud-free access.
A layered planting design was selected to encourage biodiversity and attract pollinators while remaining safe and manageable.
On planting days, team members – including consultants, nurses, ex-service users, and receptionists – worked side by side in the soil, sparking discussions about where to put the lavender.
As the garden took shape, staff reported seeing more worms and bees.
The sensory engagement with the space was seen as a small but meaningful improvement to the environment.
Even patients unable to access the garden directly benefited from the view.
One staff member recalled how a patient in longer-term segregation quietly watched a flowerbed grow throughout the summer.
The garden became a ‘different horizon’ within the unit’s secure architecture.
Staff described the space as ‘a way out of the pressure cooker,’ while the project itself softened workplace hierarchies by encouraging collective, non-clinical activity.
Researchers named the approach ‘Hybrid Green Spaces’ – therapeutic environments that blur the boundaries between built and natural, inside and outside, patient and staff.
The team now advocates for treating green spaces as core therapeutic infrastructure within NHS care, not just peripheral amenities.
They believe that by supporting ‘ecological collective flourishing,’ it’s possible to create systems that care for both people and the environment.
The project was shaped by contributions from PICU staff, ex-service users, estate services, and Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) contributors, whose lived experiences enriched the development of the project.
Specsavers Thame is marking the arrival of the new TED by Ted Baker eyewear collection with two in-store raffles, one of which gives customers the chance to win a pair of designer frames.
Neil Perry, store director at Specsavers Thame, said: “We’re always looking for new and engaging ways to bring our community together while supporting important causes.
“The launch of the TED by Ted Baker range felt like the perfect opportunity to do something a little different, combining style with fundraising.
“The response so far has been fantastic – people are really enjoying getting involved, trying on the new frames and having a bit of fun with the photo booth.
“At the same time, we’re proud to be raising money for Cancer Research UK and making a small contribution to the incredible work they do.”
The first raffle offers the chance to win a cuddly ‘Teddy Baker’ toy, with a suggested donation of £1 a strip and all proceeds donated to Cancer Research UK.
The second raffle offers a chance to win a pair of TED by Ted Baker frames from the new collection, with single vision lenses included.
Entry is free or with an optional donation, and customers simply need to try on a pair of the new frames and have their photo taken with a Polaroid camera in a photo booth-style setup.
The raffles are open until the end of the day on May 31, with winners to be drawn shortly afterwards.
Specsavers Thame can be found at 109 High Street.
The People of Banbury portrait project, which launched in February 2025, has been expanded to include more residents, bringing the total number of portraits on display at Banbury station to 34.
Sixteen more individuals now feature on the station’s ‘wall of fame,’ located on the station’s overbridge.
Harry Burr, community rail lead at Chiltern Railways, said: “The People of Banbury project is a wonderful community initiative which engages and celebrates the rich tapestry of Banbury residents.
“We are grateful that our Community Investment Fund is able to support such exciting and important projects like this across the entire Chiltern Railways network.”
The portraits were chosen from more than 140 community nominations and form part of a collaboration between Chiltern Railways and Banbury Business Improvement District (BID), with funding from Chiltern’s Community Investment Fund.
Participants who shared their unique stories and had portraits displayed were invited to a special unveiling event at the station on May 21.
She said: “The People of Banbury has always been a passion project for me, and working closely with the community to bring it to life has been so rewarding.
“Thanks to the vital funding and continued support from Chiltern Railways, we’ve refreshed the gallery, filled the remaining gaps, and showcased even more inspiring local faces.”
The pictures were taken between 2002 and 2008 by Oxford Mail photographers covering days out in the spring and summer at dog show events.
Beyond the pets, many of the events included town fayres, games and market stalls, and produced classic images of Morris dancers, children eating ice cream and more.
READ MORE: 13 old photos show Oxford nightlife and clubs back in 2008
Dog shows have been held for years in towns across Oxfordshire, with pictures in this gallery from Didcot, Chipping Norton, Burford, Carterton and beyond.
Some of the most adorable shots show youngsters with their beloved pets, whether or not they won accolades in the show.
Take a look back through this archive picture gallery to see if you recognise any of these dogs – or the owners pictured with them.
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