Annual allotment BBQ for service users proves a continued success!
The annual allotment BBQ was a sprouting success, with service users, OT’s and visitors coming along to support the event.
With lots of tasty food being cooked by service user Andy, who has come on magnificently since attending the group, not forgetting Rachel’s melt in the mouth mushrooms with pesto and grated cheese.
The allotment group has been running for just over 2 years now, initially started by OT Mariann and service user Lee in May 2016.
Lee has put a lot of hard work into the allotment and now volunteers every week educating service users and building it up to the growing success that it is.
Nick Warren, manager of the OT’s said “As an allotment holder myself I understand how very beneficial the allotment is for improving wellbeing.”
Aiming to help improve the health and well-being of people who are going through the recovery process from mental health issues by smaller group interactions, working in the fresh air, sewing seeds, growing fruit, vegetables and beautiful flowers, gives service users a sense of achievement, purpose, excitement, physical exercise and lots of tasty healthy food to eat – all helping the cycle of physical and mental stimulation.
Overall the service users enjoy making new friends; their enthusiasm for the project is infectious.
Keen allotmenteer service user Rachel who was brought up on a farm said “it has been a difficult year due to weather conditions, but we have grown sweetcorn, courgettes, potatoes etc.” Improvements made during the last year include erecting fencing to deter rabbits who were eating the small plants.
There are also some Blue tits nesting in the bird box, along with regular visits from 2 Robins.
It’s great to see nature at its best!
Thank you to Lee for the tasty courgettes!!
We look forward to seeing how the allotment continues to grow and support more people in the future!