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Mental health garden unites community

Faye Adams
21/ 9/2005

GLOSSOP'S Mental Health team celebrated the completion of a project which has brought together both centre users and the community.

Over two years ago a patch of derelict land behind the Charles Street mental health HQ was full of rubble and also used for dog fouling.

It has since been transformed into a pleasant garden area for both the centre and residents from the surrounding properties.

Staff, service users and volunteers held a barbecue on Friday to celebrate the culmination of their efforts.

Manager Roland Javanaud said: "It came about after we spoke to a few of the neighbours who said they were interested in restoring it.

"We held a meeting to discuss it and then went from there.

"First we put up wrought iron gates to protect the area, then we returfed the garden and put down a patio."

The project has not only created an attractive outdoor oasis, it has also had practical effects on those who attend the mental health centre.

"A lot of people have been out of work for a long time and doubt their ability to return," said Roland.

"So getting involved in smaller scale initiatives with responsibility but less pressures can help them back into employment."

He added that in keeping with the theme of World Health Day on 10 October - a healthy body means a healthy mind - the project has been good for both the physical and mental health of users.

In addition it helped reduce the stigma of mental illness by bringing them into close contact with residents nearby.

"People were a bit edgy about the idea but when they see it on a daily basis and talk to them they see there's nothing to be worried about," Mr Javanaud added.