Branching out scheme

'Branching Out' aspires to enable people with mental health needs in the borough of Bromley to engage in self -help activities that are designed to make positive contributions to their physical and mental well being.

Community Options Ltd, a local mental health charity, has been awarded £150,000 to deliver a two-year horticultural project to people suffering from mental health conditions living in the London Borough of Bromley.

Partners are: The Bromley Field Studies Centre, Mind, Bromley Adult Education College, the Friends of the Bromley Field Studies Centre and 38 Friends of Parks Groups.

Details

Small groups of 13 volunteers will be taught horticulture and environmental conservation over a six-month period by professional trainers and will travel around 36 of the borough's green spaces to assist 'friends' groups in making physical improvements at each site. They will also make improvements to the grounds of four mental health settings.

The project will offer opportunities for participants to contribute towards the decision-making process, lead walks and talks, pursue accredited qualifications, teach friends and family, network in the community, relate their experiences by contributing to a 'recovery' publication and find sustainable activities in which they can participate in past the life of the project.

A total of 52 volunteers will learn about planting, conservation, green gardening techniques and will create seasonal displays and undertake inspirational visits to key regional sites. They will also learn about health and safety, customer services and how to develop team - working skills. Each participant will pass their knowledge on to a further 104 people with mental health issues. The two-year project is designed to allow volunteers to find their maximum potential and learn new skills which will enable them to enter the job market, with or without continued support.

The horticultural training will take place at the TrEE Centre, Scadbury Farm, Chislehurst, and the practical work will take place in the borough's green spaces.