Below is an update from Emmanual Church, Ormskirk on the fantastic work they have been carrying out to build a community garden in partnership with Scarisbrick Mental Health Unit.
“We have had an amazing start to the new life of our ‘Roots of Hope Community Garden’ with folks enjoying broad beans, beetroot and
strawberries. There is much produce still to come! The garden belongs to everyone and if you would like to be involved in any way, planting, watering, weeding etc please speak to Rev Sue. It is also open for you just to go and sit in at any time.
As you know, we have partnered with the Scarisbrick Mental Health Unit at Ormskirk Hospital and it has been wonderful to build relationships with the staff and patients as they attend on a Thursday morning. Stephanie Cummings, an Occupational Therapist, wrote an article for the NHS and I’d like to share some of it with you: “Patients from our Scarisbrick Unit are benefiting from a growing partnership between the Occupational Therapy Team and Emmanuel Church, helping them reconnect with their community and take part in meaningful activity.
As part of this, patients and members of the therapy team, Olivia, Pete and Zoe, have been attending the church’s weekly Thursday hub, creating opportunities for social connection and engagement outside of the ward environment. Building on this relationship, the therapy team has collaborated with Reverend Sue and church volunteers to develop a small community therapy garden. The garden aims to support patients to develop meaningful roles, take part in purposeful activity, and contribute positively to their local community. Engaging in shared, meaningful occupants not only supports patients’ mental health and sense of identity, but also fosters connection, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
The project has also brought benefits to members of the church community, creating opportunities for inclusion, shared experiences, and mutual support. This project is about helping people reconnect with what matters to them. Being part of something in the community, contributing and building relationships can make a real difference to recovery and wellbeing.
This partnership highlights the power of community connections in supporting recovery and demonstrates how meaningful activity can positively impact both patients and the wider community”.