Health and wellbeing projects could secure a scholarship

Applications are being sought for the NGS Elsie Wagg (Innovation) Scholarship 2024, which seeks to promote health and wellbeing through gardens and garden visiting.

The scholarship will be awarded to five projects – led by nurses – that promote the health benefits of gardening and garden visiting among a group of people.

The Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI) and the National Garden Scheme created the scholarship in 2021 as a joint initiative to support practical examples of how gardens can promote physical, mental and emotional health.

Successful projects will begin early in 2024. Project leaders will receive a year-long programme of individual and group support from the QNI, as well as funding of up to £5,000 to implement their project.

The NGS Elsie Wagg (Innovation) Scholarship is open to all nurses working in the community in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and Channel Islands.

Dr Amanda Young, Director of Nursing Programmes (Innovation and Policy) at the QNI commented: “This is an exciting opportunity to demonstrate the impact of novel nursing interventions in the community.

“It is anticipated that the NGS Elsie Wagg (Innovation) Scholarship will over time, contribute significantly to the evidence base around the value of gardens and gardening to the physical, mental and emotional health of individuals and communities.

“We warmly encourage any community nurse to contact us to discuss their ideas and apply.”

The closing date for completed applications is October 31, 2023.

Further information and the online application form are on the QNI’s website: https://www.qni.org.uk/explore-qni/nurse-led-projects/ngs-elsie-wagg-innovation-scholarship/