New Scarborough art project to help mental health after success of garden project

A gardening project used to help people overcome mental health problems in the Scarborough area has proved so successful a new art scheme is being established with the hope it will have similar results.
Hoe down: Gardeners tend growing bedsHoe down: Gardeners tend growing beds
Hoe down: Gardeners tend growing beds

The gardening scheme was established at Cross Lane Hospital several years ago, as an activity for people staying there to get involved in activities intended be therapeutic.

A vegetable patch was established, along with flower growing and chickens were introduced, with the scheme operated as a joint project between the NHS and North Yorkshire County Council, with the county council’s Support Time Recovery Worker, Paula Boulton, helping to make sure the scheme runs smoothly, by making weekly visits.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It was set up to benefit those staying in the Aykbourn Unit, but is not restricted to them, as members of the community are now involved.

Blooming wonderful: Cross Lane’s gardenersBlooming wonderful: Cross Lane’s gardeners
Blooming wonderful: Cross Lane’s gardeners

Paula said the gardening sessions had multiple benefits, getting people out for exercise and to socialise.

“It is about getting social contact so people are not isolated, as well as building up their confidence and self-esteem. It definitely makes an impact on their well-being.

“There is a transition for people leaving the hospital; they have the option to come back and remain involved in the gardening group,” said county council Mental Health Service Manager Elaine Hewitt. “They provide peer support for people who are still staying at the hospital, it is a recovery-based activity,”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Now a hunt has been launched to find a vacant allotment in the area which would allow the gardening group to expand their growing activities further.

Team effort: Gardening group members at workTeam effort: Gardening group members at work
Team effort: Gardening group members at work

As a further development, a new collaboration, with the Crescent Arts group in Scarborough will see those at Cross Lane – a hub for mental health services on the North Yorkshire coast - being offered the opportunity to express themselves through art.

The activities will be digitally focused and designed for those with mental health needs.

It will run on the wards and will be monitored to look for ways to adapt it to branch out into the local community.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The county council will support the project, which is also funded by the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust.

Natural therapy: Gardening helps mental health issuesNatural therapy: Gardening helps mental health issues
Natural therapy: Gardening helps mental health issues

Elaine Hewitt said: Sometimes people with mental health issues can be excluded so this is about making it more accessible to all,”

“When someone is at a time when they are mentally unwell it can be difficult for their emotional well-being as most people with mental health conditions have experienced some kind of trauma.

“Art allows an opportunity for people to express emotions around experiences they find difficult to talk about.

“It provides a kind of distraction. Therapy through art also allows people to feel included.”