Cygnet Lodge Brighouse Community Allotment Project
In April, Cygnet Lodge Brighouse was given a plot at a local allotment to use. The plot was previously used as a community garden, however, it had not been maintained for several months and therefore needed a lot of work to restore it.
The occupational therapy team and service users worked together to create a plan for the plot. Popular choices included using it as a space away from the ward to relax, a place to grow fruit and vegetables or to create a colourful sensory garden.
Throughout the year, service users have attended the allotment at least once a week and have got stuck in with digging, planting, sanding benches, potting and watering plants.
The plot is situated next to a small kitchen area which allows the service users the opportunity to make themselves hot drinks and to chat to other allotment members.
This project provides the opportunity to support service users to reintegrate into the local community, learn and develop new skills and re-engage with interests. One service user, who previously had a strong interest in gardening, shared that they felt they had reconnected with something important by going to the allotment.
