More than you think: Shugborough links with hospice to support wellbeing
A charity Contemplation Trail has launched at Shugborough Estate in Staffordshire created by Katharine House Hospice and the National Trust.
Open to the public, the signposted wellbeing walk will also be used by hospice staff to support patients, their families and loved ones.
“This initiative aims to promote mental wellbeing, mindfulness and family connection through a peaceful outdoor experience” says Javier González-Fritz, Katharine House Hospice’s Family Support Team Leader.
“Our goal is to provide a tranquil space where families and individuals can reconnect with themselves, each other and spend time with their memories of loved ones who have died. We believe that spending time in nature combined with mindful practices can significantly enhance emotional resilience and overall wellbeing.
“We’d love visitors of all ages to explore the trail at their own pace, finding moments of calm and self-awareness in nature.”
Starting near the mansion, the trail offers two ways to explore. The shorter trail is step-free and finishes at the tearoom, with four gentle written prompts along the way to help visitors slow down and reflect.
Inspired by the natural beauty of Shugborough’s gardens and woodland, the prompts encourage simple moments of mindfulness - like listening to the soft sound of the wind, noticing the rustle of leaves, or pausing to reflect as the river flows gently past.
For those who want to explore a little further, the trail continues with some uneven ground past the boathouse, arboretum and Chinese House, with four extra prompts.
The full walk takes around an hour and offers a chance to spend more time in nature and enjoy the quieter corners of the estate.
The idea for the Contemplation Trail grew from the success of Walk to Remember, the hospice’s annual event held at Shugborough. The second walk took place last month and once again showed how powerful it is for the community to come together in nature to honour loved ones and support hospice care.
“Working with Katharine House Hospice at Shugborough, we see how gardens become more than places of beauty - they are quiet medicine for the mind, where the rhythm of growing things eases stress, restores balance, and nurtures well-being.” says Hayley Mival, General Manager of Shugborough National Trust.
The trail launched during Hospice Care Week, a national campaign by Hospice UK (October 6-12). This year’s theme, “Hospice care is more than you think”, highlights the full scope of hospice care from day one of diagnosis through to death and bereavement. Much of this care happens outside hospice buildings - in homes, communities, and now, through projects like this trail, in nature.
As part of their wide range of support, Katharine House Hospice runs a regular Bereavement Group and a monthly Bereavement Café where people can drop in for a chat and connect with others who’ve experienced loss. Complementary therapies such as Indian head massage and Reiki are also available.
For more information or support, call the hospice’s 24/7 advice line on 01785 270832.
