People with experience of mental health problems have been restoring a Victorian walled garden in Suffolk as part of a £6000 project to aid recovery. Twenty service users have been digging, weeding and planting their way to mental wellbeing as they maintain the once neglected garden at a Stowmarket museum.

The project – called Living Valued Lives – involves a partnership between the Museum of East Anglian Life (MEAL) and Suffolk Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust. Patients help to maintain the acre of land in return for learning horticultural skills in a socially inclusive environment.

Julia Havers, senior occupational therapist and co-facilitator (with Jim Kemp), said: “For some of the service users this project can be more beneficial than medication or a stay in hospital.

“People with long term psychiatric problems often find themselves isolated. Living Valued Lives is socially inclusive so people improve their confidence and get a real sense of belonging.”

Service users cleared the overgrown land and have planted flower filled borders, made a herb garden and are growing a range of vegetables.

The project, which links into the museum’s Work Based Skills Programme, also offers patients the chance to complete an NVQ. Three of the current group are undertaking NVQ’s in horticulture.

Julia added: “The project gives them opportunities to achieve and shine as part of a group. It is a good stepping stone to getting back into working life or becoming more involved in the community again.”

Paul Palmer, volunteer and training manager at MEAL, said: “In addition to gardening, patients can also gain experience in animal care, museum maintenance and costume needlework for historical re-enactments.”

MEAL is a charity-based organisation and covers 75 acres of land. There are tours of the walled garden twice a week with hopes to open it up to the public in the future.

Paul added: “The museum has been granted a stage one pass from the heritage lottery fund and a grant from the Suffolk Environment Trust, which will help fund the landscaping of the walled garden and open it to the public.

“Patients would tackle our cottage gardens while the workmen are there and then we would be delighted for them to maintain the walled area once more.

“There is no division or hierarchy – we act as one big team which means that volunteers mix with staff and the general public. Ideally once their treatment is over they will continue to volunteer with us and get involved in other ways.”

Patients are referred to Living Valued Lives by their care professionals. Service users and family carers registered with Suffolk Respite also attend the group with a member of staff each week.

The project is currently funded until March 2010 but hopes to receive additional funding for a further year. Donations of plants or tools are welcome – please contact Julia or Jim on 01473 329391.