Bakersville Allotment

A Sanctuary for Mental Health and Wellbeing

Introduction: Baskerville Allotment is a therapeutic space dedicated to supporting individuals accessing secondary mental health services through the Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust. Established in 2000, this project has grown from a single plot into a multi-plot sanctuary, offering a peaceful and supportive environment where the therapeutic benefits of gardening, horticulture, and biodiversity are utilised to promote recovery and enhance mental health.

Our Mission: At Baskerville Allotment, our mission is to foster positive health and wellbeing through the therapeutic power of gardening. We provide a tranquil, engaging environment that helps individuals with severe and enduring mental health conditions rebuild confidence, improve social interaction, and enhance their overall wellbeing.

What We Do: Gardening at Baskerville Allotment is an integral part of the Occupational Therapy services offered by the Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust. Our participants, all of whom are referred by the NHS, engage in a variety of gardening activities that nurture both the land and their mental health. These activities range from planting vegetables and maintaining beds to caring for wildlife-friendly features, all designed to support the recovery process.

Who We Serve: Baskerville Allotment is exclusively available to individuals currently receiving secondary mental health services from the Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust. This project offers a safe, therapeutic environment specifically for those dealing with severe and enduring mental health conditions, enabling them to participate in gardening and related activities that promote mental health and wellbeing.

A Collaborative Approach: The success of Baskerville Allotment is built on the strong collaboration between Occupational Therapy, education, horticulture, and biodiversity experts within the NHS. This integrated approach creates a therapeutic environment that is both enriching and supportive. The allotment is more than just a garden; it is a place where participants can relax, engage with nature, and participate in meaningful activities that support their mental health journey.

Our Facilities: The Baskerville Allotment features a variety of facilities designed to enhance the therapeutic experience. These include growing areas for vegetables, fruit, and flowers, as well as communal seating areas and grassy paths that provide peaceful spots for reflection and socialisation. Greenhouses are available for cultivating plants such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and chillies. The site also prioritises biodiversity with wildlife-friendly features like ponds and wildflower patches.

Participants have access to the on-site association's facilities, including a shop that offers gardening tools, seeds, and other essentials, as well as clean and accessible toilets. While these facilities are managed by the site association, they are available for use by all Baskerville Allotment participants.

Community and Impact: Baskerville Allotment is a crucial part of the mental health services provided by the Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust. The project plays a vital role in helping individuals reconnect with nature, improve their mental health, and foster a sense of community among participants. It serves as a lifeline for those who struggle with mental health conditions, offering a unique and effective way to support recovery.

Events: Throughout the year, Baskerville Allotment hosts various events to engage the community and celebrate the achievements of our participants. These events, including our annual Open Day, provide an opportunity for visitors to explore the site, learn about our work, and enjoy activities such as refreshments, raffles, tombolas, and purchasing fresh produce grown on-site. Each event is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our participants and staff.

Supporting Our Work: As a project run by the Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust, Baskerville Allotment is fully integrated into the services we provide. While we do not accept external volunteers, the support of the NHS ensures that the allotment remains a vital resource for those in need. For more information about Baskerville Allotment or to learn how you can support our work, please visit our website at www.humber.nhs.uk. We are committed to maintaining confidentiality and ensuring that all communications are handled with the utmost care.