We know that well-designed outdoor spaces can reduce agitation, improve mood, encourage gentle physical activity, stimulate memory through sensory cues, and support a sense of autonomy and dignity. For South Asian Muslim elders, a garden that also speaks to their faith, their cultural heritage, and the sensory memories of their lives carries additional and profound therapeutic value.

We are developing a new  Sensory Garden for users of Milen Care Day Centre, Batley,  which will create a safe and culturally rich accessible space for people to connect to each other and to nature. The garden will provide a welcoming and inclusive space for ongoing projects that build confidence, improve skills and foster connections and will be  co-designed with through creative consultation and activities in weekly participation sessions with users and local schools.

Rooted in the faith, heritage, and lived sensory memories of this community, we will be drawing on The Islamic Garden Tradition as Design Language  from the Mughal gardens of the Indian subcontinent to Persian courtyards and Andalusian patios —considering how we incorporate Water as Sacred Element, Calligraphy Geometry, Pattern & Ornamentation . It is early days as we continue the consultant and fundraising process- we know this is going to be a very special project.