Residents from across Westhoughton came together this week to celebrate a new community garden which has been designed to support mental health.
An open day to celebrate a new community garden – the first of its kind in Daisy Hill – was held on Tuesday, October 10 at Daisy Hill Cricket Club to coincide with World Mental Health Day.
At the event, the fantastic work from the volunteers was showcased and the mental health benefits of gardening, being outdoors and socialising were promoted, to over 60 people.
The new garden was created after funding was given from Bolton GP Federation and organised by the cricket club in partnership with the Westhoughton Primary Care Network (PCN) Social Prescribing Link Workers (SPLW).
The social prescribers joined forces with the cricket club in April to create a safe, peaceful place for the community.
The funding has helped towards two large, sturdy benches and a summer house that was put together by a team of local volunteers.
Speaking about the new garden and what it means to him, one of the volunteers, Martin, said: “I was more than happy with the turnout and interest.
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“I’m not ashamed to say that this project has been a lifeline for me and has helped my mental state immensely and it's all thanks to the help from the Westhoughton social prescribers.”
Throughout the open day, people from across the borough came together including local GP and Chair of Bolton GP Federation, Dr Kamran Khan, Christine Makinson from the Mental Health Independent Support Team, and Westhoughton mayor Deirdre McGeown.
Cllr McGeown said: “I had a great time and was amazed at all that’s been achieved, it’s a little haven; honestly a beautiful place.”
Westhoughton Social Prescribing Link Worker, Julie Wright said: “To see the whole community join and enjoy the blossoming garden has been truly amazing, new friendships have been formed, and we have recruited new volunteers.
“I can't thank the Cricket Club and all the volunteers enough.
“In Westhoughton, we are so lucky to have lots of services working together for the benefit of all, I have worked with some inspiring people on the garden project, it really is a joy to come to work.”
Following the initial success of the garden, a new "Chatty Benches" project has begun.
The new scheme will run every Friday between 11am and 12pm.
Social prescribers will be at the garden for anyone who would like to attend, have a brew, meet new friends, or get information about support.
For more information about the community garden, contact Julie Wright on 07546 305455 or email Julie.wright10@nhs.net.
If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @chloewjourno.
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