SPINAL injury patients in Salisbury got to enjoy an afternoon of activities to boost their mental health and wellbeing during lockdown.

The Duke of Cornwall Spinal Treatment Centre at Salisbury District Hospital held a ‘Games in the Garden’ on Friday.

To protect them from Covid-19, Spinal Treatment Centre patients are not currently able to have visitors, and the usual external trips enjoyed by so many have been cancelled.

Dr Sophie Tegg, Clinical Psychologist at the Duke of Cornwall Spinal Treatment Centre said: "The wellbeing and mental health of our patients with Spinal Cord Injury is of vital importance as they undergo treatment for their injuries.

"During lockdown, we have worked hard to encourage people to use different ways to maintain and support their wellbeing in the absence of visitors.

"This ‘Mental Health Awareness Week’, our ‘Games in the Garden’ afternoon is a fantastic opportunity for patients to enjoy being active and boost their wellbeing at the same time.”

A spinal injury patient at the games added: “You can get dark days and a little bit morose but something like this can really lift the spirits.”

The centre organised a range of fun and activities, from bowls to basketball, for patients to enjoy in the safety and tranquillity of Horatio’s Garden. The garden and the hospital’s own tennis courts, provided outdoor space to ensure social distancing was in place.