Walsall Society for the Blind creates outdoor learning space thanks to community grant

Walsall Society for the Blind received a Green Community Grant to launch the new garden, which features colourful flowers, fragrant herbs, and seasonal vegetables, all carefully chosen to provide a rich sensory experience.

With accessible pathways, seating, and safety features, the space is designed to be enjoyed by all, including the charity’s Youth Group and over 1,400 adult service users.

Over 20 weeks, visually impaired service users, supported by staff and volunteers, took part in gardening sessions – planting bulbs, creating window boxes, and growing sunflowers, tomatoes, and cucumbers.

The garden has already become a cherished space for relaxation, learning, and social connection, helping to combat isolation and improve mental wellbeing.

The project was made possible through a grant from the Bupa Foundation’s Healthy Cities initiative, supporting grassroots projects that enhance urban green spaces, promoting both people and planet health.

In June, the initiative, in partnership with Groundwork, opens again for applications, offering grants of up to £2,000 to non-fee-paying schools, charities, and not-for-profits to create or enhance green spaces to help people be healthier – such as outdoor classrooms, sensory gardens, allotments and more. Applications can be made on the website.

“The Bupa Foundation Green Community Grant has enabled us to transform our small outside space into a calming sensory oasis full of colour and scents for our visually impaired community to enjoy,” said Amanda Elliott, Fundraising Officer at Walsall Society for the Blind.

Anna Russell, director of the Bupa Foundation, said: "At Bupa, we believe the health of people and the health of our planet are deeply connected. That’s why we’re proud to support grassroots projects like the sensory garden at Hawley House. By creating greener, healthier spaces - such as this welcoming space for visually impaired residents - we’re improving the health of our cities and encouraging people to spend more time outdoors to connect with nature. This supports physical and mental wellbeing but also contributes to a healthier environment. It’s a great example of the initiative’s impact, and the potential for even more communities to benefit in 2025.

“These grants are made possible thanks to the incredible efforts of our colleagues and corporate partners, who take part in our annual Healthy Cities movement challenge every June to raise funds for local green initiatives. It’s a powerful reminder that when we all get involved, we can make a real difference to the health of our communities and the environment.”

Want to transform your local green space to help people be healthier?

To apply, visit groundwork.org.uk/bupa-foundation-green-grants/