Launch of new sensory garden to boost West Sussex children’s hospice thanks to £15,000 Southern Water grant

A West Sussex children’s hospice celebrated the launch of its new sensory garden. 

The new garden will benefit children at Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice, based near Arundel. 

To mark the occasion, members of Southern Water’s Community Team, who played an important role in making the garden a reality through the donation of a £15,000 Community grant, attended the opening party along with children and families supported by Chestnut Tree House.  The sensory garden was selected to receive funding during 2022 after the application for support was voted for by our employee, customer and young person's panel.  

The garden benefits from a tiered design and boasts fragrant plants and flowers that awaken the senses. It also has interactive musical instruments, a variety of grasses and an avenue of newly planted birch trees which as they get bigger, will create the illusion of walking through a tunnel. 

Community Partnerships Manager at Southern Water, Alex Willumsen, said: “We very are proud to have supported the build of the sensory garden at Chestnut Tree House for the benefit of children, young people and their families, as well as staff at the hospice. Alongside the funding, our employees also took part volunteering to help with the planting. 

“We felt very happy to see all the young people and their families enjoying the garden at the launch event. We are really proud that our customer, employee and young person's panel selected Chestnut Tree House to receive the funding needed to complete this nature space.” 

Deputy CEO at Chestnut Tree House, Becki Jupp, said:  

“We’re delighted that Southern Water supported the development of our sensory garden. Sensory activities are so important for the children in our care.  

“Thanks to the grant, sensory plants, shrubs, water features and specialist play equipment are bringing the garden to life for children and their families to enjoy and make memories.”  

About Chestnut Tree House 

Chestnut Tree House is the children's hospice for East Sussex, West Sussex, Brighton & Hove, and South East Hampshire. They provide care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions, offering them and their families practical, social and spiritual support. 

About Southern Water Community Grants 

Southern Water is committed to supporting its communities and our Community Team plays a central role in this. During the last financial year, we donated £94,500 to support community projects across our region.  visit Customer and Community Grants (southernwater.co.uk)