CW+ is delighted to announce that its GreenUP programme has won Gold in the Best Collaborative Arts Project (Performance) category at the 2026 Building Better Healthcare Awards.
The award recognises GreenUP’s innovative approach to bringing together nature, creativity and community participation to improve the wellbeing of patients, staff and visitors.
Connecting people with nature
Launched by CW+ at West Middlesex University Hospital in October 2024, GreenUP aims to improve access to nature and create opportunities for the hospital community to enjoy the benefits of spending time outdoors.
The project began with the transformation of an underused waterfront area into a welcoming green space, with new planting, accessible pathways, seating and a dedicated area for outdoor activities.
Building on these improvements, CW+ developed a green-focused participation programme, offering creative, physical and nature-based activities designed to encourage people to connect with nature, learn new skills and enhance their wellbeing.
Following a successful pilot in 2024, GreenUP returned in April 2025 in partnership with local organisations including the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Turner’s House and The Arts Centre Hounslow.
Co-designed with staff, patients and community partners, the programme offers a range of activities, from gardening, painting and nature-inspired crafts to outdoor exercise sessions including yoga, Zumba and salsa.
Making a positive impact
Evaluation from GreenUP’s first full year of delivery in 2025 highlighted its positive impact on wellbeing and connection with nature.
Participants reported spending increased time outdoors, feeling more connected to nature and being motivated to continue taking part in similar activities. All respondents said they would be likely to register for future sessions, with participants giving GreenUP an average recommendation score of 9.5 out of 10.
Building on success
GreenUP continues to run seasonally at West Middlesex University Hospital, strengthening relationships with local partners and providing opportunities for the hospital community to engage with nature and creative activities.
The programme also inspired CW+’s Nature and Biophilia in Hospitals Symposium in June 2026, which brought together healthcare, arts and environmental organisations from across the country to share learning and explore approaches to greener healthcare environments.
Trystan Hawkins, Director of Patient Environment at CW+, said: ‘We’re delighted that GreenUP has been recognised with a Gold award at the Building Better Healthcare Awards. This programme demonstrates the positive impact that nature, creativity and collaboration can have on wellbeing, and we’re incredibly grateful to the staff, patients, community partners and volunteers who have helped make it such a success. As GreenUP continues to grow, we’re excited to bring these opportunities to even more people across our hospitals and local communities.’
