Patients dig for victory over mental health prejudices

Published on Saturday 11 July 2009 11:49

PATIENTS are being encouraged to dig deep and try out some gardening therapy at a city hospital.

Volunteers from Artlink have already helped bring a disused orchard at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital back to life.

They are now planning to transform derelict land into space for growing vegetables and flowers in allotments.

The NHS hopes that the project will prove especially beneficial to patients with mental health problems. Staff could also join in, and take up gardening as a way to relax and socialise after work.

Artlink's director, Jan-Bert van der Berg, hopes to create a few allotments as a trial and if successful expand the project.

He said: "We're looking at ways we can enhance the environment. We want to bring people out into the hospital grounds.

"The orchard has been here for 100 years. There used to be a pig farm and they produced a lot of their own food. It was also seen as a way to productively engage the patients – part of their approach to psychiatric care at the time.

"One thing we are exploring is to create allotments for staff and patients. There is lots of land next to the orchard that has been used as allotments in the past. We want to have a long-term plan, and make sure we have the commitment from the staff and community.

"We are targeting patients who are physically able to do that type of work. The benefits are that it's a diversionary activity, and a break from the regular routine of the hospital."

Although the group has already successfully harvested apples from the orchard, they are not yet allowed to serve home-grown produce in the hospital for health and safety reasons.

But it's hoped in the future the produce will meet the hospital's hygiene rules.

Anne Elliot, one of the volunteers said: "The hospital is a really large site, and there is a large area of ground unused. The area we are working on had been used as a vegetable garden in the past.

"We've spent time clearing the space for the staff and patient group.

"Gardening is very therapeutic. We've had a lot of interest from staff and patients. We're creating walkways and paths to get people out to walk and have exercise."

Tim Montgomery, director of operations at the hospital said: "We are currently working to bring a range of benefits to patients.

"It also allows local people, staff and visitors to help improve and enjoy the environment and reduce some of the unfounded stigma associated with mental health issues."

A community health project at the award-winning Bridgend Allotment Site has already helped many people improve their lives through gardening. The Craigmillar site has specially adapted plots for disabled people.