By Lucy Ashton
The well-being garden at the Vale of Leven hospital is ready to burst into bloom after a team of volunteers from Work Connect dug deep to bring some Spring colour to the outdoor area.
Already 100 bulbs have been planted – with more to be added over the next few weeks – and the outdoor furniture is getting a makeover by the team.
And West Dunbartonshire HSCP Rehab and Employability Manager Ingram Wilson is looking forward to seeing the results.
She said: “There’s not much you can do with a garden at this time of year, but the team were all really keen to get stuck in.
“Despite the weather, we got lots done – paths swept, pruning and general maintenance. We had a great time and the hospital staff were brilliant. They were really encouraging and kept us well supplied with tea and juice!”
Based at the Horticulture Training suite in Dumbarton’s Levengrove Park, Work Connect provides employability support service to adults with Mental Health issues, people in recovery from addiction and adults with learning disabilities.
And it looks like the team of six will be kept busy as we get ready for spring as they asked it they could make their work at the Vale a regular fixture.
Ingram said: “We had such a good morning, both with the gardening work and the team connecting and talking with each other, that they actually asked if they could come back every month and really prepare the garden for summer.”
As a result, one of the gazebos is now being refurbished at Levengrove Park to spruce it up after the effects of the winter, and local estates staff and management are delighted that the space is getting some green-fingered care.
Vale of Leven Hospital Clinical Services Manager Margaret O’Rourke said: “It’s wonderful that this area is being given some special care and attention. I can’t thank the Work Connect team enough for their efforts and plans for the summer. We’re all looking forward to seeing the results when the summer comes.”
