I just love it here. It’s a beautiful garden.
I’m Ryan, and I am a volunteer here at Horatio’s Belfast.
When I first came to volunteer, I was looking to gain knowledge. I’d always been an amateur gardener, but I hadn’t fully considered that this is a garden for patients. It was the interaction with them, and seeing how they engage with the space, that really took me by surprise.
Volunteering is rewarding in itself, but you can also clearly see the positive impact it has on the people who use the garden.
The contrast between the ward and the garden is hard to believe – it’s like black and white. People seem to gain a real sense of freedom here, almost as if they’re back home or part of their community again. The fact that their families can visit without restricted hours is just fantastic.
If you’re thinking about volunteering for Horatio’s, I would absolutely encourage it. The process is very straightforward, and there are so many different ways you can get involved within Horatio’s Garden.
Watch Ryan’s story here.