Vanessa Project

Snowdrops at East Lambrook Manor

sueboulter@fsmail.net — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 17:35:00 GMT

We had a snowy day at East lambrook Manor where even the snowdrops seemed closed tight against the cold,

FIRST YEAR REPORT(without photos)

sueboulter@fsmail.net — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 20:30:00 GMT

AIMS

To deliver the benefits of horticultural therapy to adults with mental health issues.

OBJECTIVES

The Vanessa Project was set up to deliver horticultural therapy to service users at the mind center on a weekly basis and at the residential psychiatric unit at Rowan court.

There is an allotment in place that requires a 10-15 minute work or a car is available for those who would find that problematic. We use the benefits of exercise and group acceptance as well as the rewards of growing our own food and being out in the community to help support those going through psychological stress.

To date we have been accessed at the center by 24 people in the yearly period. This ranges from involvement in the activities to contributions and sharing of produce to film making. Many more people have just added their confirmation of the project or shared their enjoyment of our effort

All the participants have come on a voluntary basis some have attended regularly over a few weeks most others have come two or three times over the year. This year we have built on the hard work since the launch in November 07

Rowan Court

The project at Rowan court has been utilised by an additional 9 people within a six month time frame as we did not visit over the winter months.

There is a walled communal garden and a small raised vegetable bed. Over the summer patients sit in the garden and it is a good place to talk. We have planted lettuces and brassicas in the plot with the help of three volunteers. We started clearing the communal beds however they have recently been overhauled by the council gardeners.

There is a strong hedgehog population which many are concerned about. Also plenty of frogs.

The project at Rowan introduces many difficulties due to the nature of the intermittent stay of the patients. It is hard to gain any ownership of the project if you go home before you can see the results. There is only limited scope for the practise of horticulture for those beginning in the art. However the outside space is of crucial importance and the feeling that you can care for that space in whatever capacity is of great benefit.

Many people are on medication at Rowan which has physical implications for physical work. Also many patients are severally depressed which gives rise to lack of motivation. Due to the smoking laws patients have to access the garden so there is scope for talk and encourage interest. There is also the place to let people know about mind and it’s gardening project there.

Occupational therapists continue with the gardening and together there will be activities available for those who are well enough to participate throughout the summer months.

We have picked beans and peas for the kitchen and made pot pourrie from lemon geranium and sage. Two hours of exercise has been obtained by residents who may otherwise sit in the corridor.

EVENTS

We have had one outing to Pilsdon in Spring which was really appreciated we had a chance to look around the center and enjoy a home cooked lunch with produce from the farm. We helped in the afternoon planting out rows of veg and weeding. Eight of us attended and a couple of us expressed intentions to return and stay.

U- in-mind brought 8 people up to the allotment and sampled some fresh salad. Chris serenaded our visit and we collected salads from the polytunnel and took them back to the center to make into sandwiches. Maureen made a beautiful cake which we decorated with home grown raspberries.

The re-launch provided an opportunity when we were asked to supply the buffet with fresh lettuce and salad. Unfortunately most had been bought in but we did put some out in bowls and people helped themselves to cucumber plants to grow at home. A lovely new gardening cupboard was built and the cellar door is now accessible.

We are providing information about the Vanessa project at the Yeovil flower show in Yeovil in September

A new leaflet has been put together with thanks to Stephen Honey and we have started to circulate information to Doctors surgeries/ alternative practitioners and out into the world generally. A notice board is up displaying info about the VP in center.

Mind first referral patient asked to be involved with us and has shown an interest in film making. He has taken some footage in the polytunnel and has many ideas for interviewing people involved.

The new polytunnel built in the Spring 08 has survived high winds and seagull attack. Thanks to Evelyn we have had a fine crop of tomatoes and lettuce and purple beans.

LINKS

Jill has accessed the allotment and provided support with the ‘moving people project’ Much needed watering, striming and weeding has been undertaken as well as contributions such as hose pipe links.

We have booked three places on ‘knowing your onions’ course for nourishment in October with Somerset community food and have contacted ‘making local food work’ to keep abreast of local policy.

FOOD PREPARATION

Archie has been determined to include the produce in the kitchen and has been proactive in asking what is available and matching menus to food in season. Even when the new potatoes seem to explode out of their skins he remained open to experiment in how to cook them. It created a lot of debate around food which was good in itself.

On seeing food being brought back from the allotment several people approached us to be given some. Will was particularly fond of the onion for sandwiches and another service user wanted them for quiche. They could have been sold however that is something to be discussed. Others took some potatoes runner beans and tomatoes

The marrows were turned into a fine curry. Beetroot were also cooked and served. Lettuces were served with quiche.

At Rowan court fresh grown tomatoes where used at tea time as well as beans.

FUND RAISING

We were unsuccesful with our bid to B&Q. It may be worth reapplying in January 09.

We are applying for a ‘changing spaces’ grant to transform the area outside into one which can be used for potting up. The builders have started the drawings.

The ‘candis’ community fund is being applied for.

Eco-minds will be applied for once launched.

OUTCOMES

Many people at the center have given their support to the project. It creates a debate around healthy food and living and when food is brought back to the center people are genuinely interested. Many want to talk about memories of childhood gardens and food gathering or remember gardens of parents or other family members. It takes them back to apparently happy times.

Others have enjoyed the flowers around the center.

Brian has increased his confidence knowing he is the main member of the project. This increased confidence has allowed him to consider undertaking a trek in India and asking his work if he could move onto tax credits with the aim of leading an independent life. He is highly supportive of the project.

Our trips to Rowan court were crucial to one man who thoroughly enjoyed getting off the ward but as there was a shortage of staff at that time was not able to as often as he wanted

Suzie Boycott a well known journalist has granted us her support.

Some volunteers have learned practical skills such as picking sweetpeas and realising which plant a vegetable comes from. Several have commented on the therapeutic quality of gardening.

THANKS

This year we have fund raised for and purchased a new polytunnel with thanks to Amanda and 10 ways to transform your life workshop. We re designed the leaflets thanks to Stephen honey. We would also like to thank Kate Broomfield for donating 40 veggie plants which were shared with ‘Headway’ allotment and other holders. Also to Dennis who dug us up his raspberry canes and gooseberry which took a great deal of hard work. Thanks to Rob and Jim who resurrected the poly tunnel.

Thanks to the county council for the donation of bedding plants. Also to Pilsdon and the Balsam center for their lovely hospitality.

Special thanks to Sue and Rob Boulter.

Welcome back to the new, old blog

sueboulter@fsmail.net — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:08:00 GMT

Welcome back to the new, old Vanessa project blog. The project is going strong despite the difficulties at the 'mind' center. We hope that the center will reopen every day soon with hot meals served once more.

The first year report will be added to the blog in the next few days.

Also a happy birthday to Sue and Rob!!

Keep warm Alison

Fundraising at the David Hall

sueboulter@fsmail.net — Wed, 28 May 2008 11:19:00 GMT

The David Hall in South Petherton holds coffee mornings on the last Wednesday of each month with plant, bric-a-brac, book and cake stalls. Last month they kindly invited us to have our own stall for the Vanessa Project.

Despite the rain there was a good turn out and we managed to raise £47.70. This will be put to good use at the allotment, providing wooden edging boards for the individual vegetable plots.

Many thanks to the David Hall volunteers for a great morning and also to Wendy, Andrea, Chris, Tina and May for their help. We all enjoyed the lovely home made cakes, coffee, live music and friendly atmosphere.

The David Hall is a charity run by Petherton Arts Trust. They offer top quality musical events, films, dance, drama and community activities. Vanessa particularly enjoyed the ceilidhs and folk bands. Have a look at their website www.thedavidhall.org.uk for the latest programme.

Pilsdon Community Visit

sueboulter@fsmail.net — Mon, 19 May 2008 11:28:00 GMT

A small group of project friends and helpers led by Alison were fortunate enough to spend a day near Bridport, Dorset with the Pilsdon Community. The community offers people from all walks of life the opportunity to work in a stress free environment and experience the benefits of home comforts in a close knit setting.

Starting on the lawn in front of the impressive south façade, we entered the manor house and were shown around the various rooms and saw some of the activities carried out by community members. We also had a look around the attractive little church which is part of the estate.

Self sufficiency is practised in a number of ways, there is a small farm including a dairy, blacksmith’s shop, pottery and a large vegetable and fruit garden. We were particularly interested to see how the plots were managed and were able to pick up a few horticultural tips to use on our own allotment in Yeovil.

The communal midday meal was delicious, home made pizza and bread with tasty salad from the garden. We then spent a while helping with some weeding and hoeing in the vegetable garden.

Having thoroughly enjoyed our day out the visit concluded with tea and biscuits in the refectory. We all agreed that the people and atmosphere at Pilsdon had given us a wonderful feeling of warmth, peace and serenity and something to take back to our project.

For more information about The Pilsdon Community see www.pilsdon.org.uk

10 Actions to Transform Your Life - Taster Session 10th March

sueboulter@fsmail.net — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 12:57:00 GMT

A taster session of the 10 Actions® to Transform Your Life development programme took place at the Yeovil Forum on 10th March. Life coach and personal development trainer Bernard Genge kindly gave a one day overview of his life changing and inspirational course to raise money for the project.

This was a big success with people feeling they could change their lives for the better by being more decisive, creating balance in their lives, developing lifestyle plans and realising the enormous power of positive belief. The proceeds from the course have enabled us to purchase a new, good quality polytunnel for the project’s allotment.

We would like to say a big thank you to Bernard and also to Amanda Mooney, Founding Directors, who have made this possible. More information about the 10 Actions® courses is available on their website: www.10actions.com or by contacting Amanda on 01460-67480 or e-mail: Amanda@10actions.com.

10 Actions to transform your life day

sueboulter@fsmail.net — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 14:31:00 GMT

Yesterday we had a really worthwhile day thanks to Bernard genge who volunteered his skills and knowlege to help raise money for the project. It was organised by Amanda and Sue and Rob and generated enough money to buy a new polytunnel after the sad fate of the last one. It has been ordered and hopefully if the lion like winds of march become lamb like we can move forward.

The demise of the polytunnel.

sueboulter@fsmail.net — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 13:54:00 GMT

Disaster!

Polytunnel found in heap. More details to follow......

allotment

sueboulter@fsmail.net — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 10:50:00 GMT

The Launch

Welcome to our project which was launched on November the 10th, a fine Saturday afternoon. Many people came together to offer their support for the project in various ways. Some had trekked across the great wall of China to offer appreciated financial support whilst others had traversed inner walls to offer their hearts. Everyone brought something with them to add to the majical day of remembrance for Vanessa and to bring her dream to fruition.

Hopefully these diaries let you know what we are up to but we would love to hear your thoughts on horticultural therapy and create a forum for all of us who experience mental distress of any kind.

So, let me introduce the team. we have Brian ...

a keen and knowledgeable gardener, avid weather watcher and medal winning swimmer, Marsha and Peter who run the Mind drop-in center where people meet for coffee and a good hot meal and Sue and Rob who set up the project for Vanessa. I come in one day a week to make it happen as do the other volunteers who help as they want. We have an allotment and hopefully this year we will supply the kitchens at the center and also work at the residential mental health ward, Rowan Court.

So back to the launch... Friends, family, health workers and politicians attended. David Laws gave words of encouragement, two cheques were presented totalling £3500 one from Amanda Mooney's fantastic trek along the Great Wall of China and one from Toolstation to spend in their shop.

We raised a glass in a toast with Sue and Rob and enjoyed a marvellous spread. Finally 34 yellow ballons were released one for every year of Vanessa's life. There was lots of love in the air and although I never met Vanessa on that day her presence was tangible.

Speak to you soon.......Alison