Patients from our Scarisbrick Unit are benefiting from a growing partnership between the Occupational Therapy Team and Emmanuel Church in Ormskirk, helping them reconnect with their community and take part in meaningful activity.
Stephanie Cummings, Occupational Therapist, has been working closely with Emmanuel Church to build links within the local community. As part of this, patients and members of the therapy team, Olivia, Pete and Zoe, have been attending the church’s weekly Thursday hub, creating opportunities for social connection and engagement outside of the ward environment.
Building on this relationship, the therapy team has collaborated with Reverend Sue and church volunteers to develop a small community therapy garden. The garden aims to support patients to develop meaningful roles, take part in purposeful activity, and contribute positively to their local community.
The initiative focuses on the important role that activity and wellbeing play in recovery. Engaging in shared, meaningful occupations not only supports patients’ mental health and sense of identity, but also fosters connection, confidence and a sense of belonging. The project has also brought benefits to members of the church community, creating opportunities for inclusion, shared experiences and mutual support.
The garden project has already begun, with patients visiting the site to meet volunteers and take part in planting the first flowers and vegetables together. This hands-on activity marks the beginning of what is hoped to be a sustainable and evolving community space.
Occupational Therapist, Stephanie, said:
“This project is about helping people reconnect with what matters to them. Being part of something in the community, contributing and building relationships can make a real difference to recovery and wellbeing.”
There are also exciting plans to expand the project further, including working alongside local artists to create murals and art installations designed and made collaboratively by patients and members of the church.
This partnership highlights the power of community connections in supporting recovery and demonstrates how meaningful activity can positively impact both patients and the wider community.
