Public governor John Walker makes a difference to the Martins
Northamptonshire Health Charity would like to send a very special thank you to the Rotary Club of Rushden Chichele, East Northants Community Services and everyone who has been involved in totally transforming the garden at The Martins Crisis House in Rushden this year.
Spearheading this fantastic project has been Rotary Club member and NHFT Governor for Wellingborough and East Northamptonshire John Walker, who right from the beginning of the year set plans in motion to begin the work to create a space to benefit service users.
The Martins is a six-bedded unit that provides safe environments for people who are suffering crisis situations which impacts on their mental health, or where they are in crisis as a result of deteriorating mental health.
Back in January, the Rotary Club of Rushden Chicele kindly approved a donation of up to £500 to purchase plants and materials for the work to commence. Further support came from East Northants Community Services who, prior to lockdown, were able to provide some initial labour from people staying at their Recovery House.
A big thanks also to Wykes Engineering who kindly donated the large polytunnel that has enabled service users to grow a wealth of fresh vegetables and herbs.
From sweet peppers, chili peppers and cucumbers; to lettuce, tomatoes and herbs like dill and basil. And more besides.
There’s also a large patch situated next to the tunnel where a host of other tasty vegetables are being grown, including beetroot and potatoes.
As well as all the “home-grown” produce there’s an array of stunning flowers, plants and bushes worked into different areas in this outside space. There was even an environmentally-friendly pond donated too.
Our thanks to all the individuals who have provided tools, plants, slabs and bricks; and to Lee Henty for providing wood chips for the path. Everyone at The Martins is very grateful for all the hard work that has been put into this project this year.
When we visited to see the wonderful transformation, it was immediately clear just how big of an impact it has had on service users. Some commented on how great it is to be able to use the fresh food available from the garden and how the space provides such a pleasant outdoor environment to relax in.
The added bonus is that should they wish to, they can help with maintaining the garden and growing the veg themselves. It provides great tools for self-reliance.
We’d like to take this opportunity to thank John and his lovely wife who have been instrumental in making sure the garden has become the oasis it has, even with the added stresses of the current pandemic. Thank you both so much for the big difference you have made!
