TENDING GARDEN HELPS LAGS’ MENTAL HEALTH PRISONERSGROWFORIT
CORONAVIRUS has had a dramatic impact on the lives of everyone in Britain – including prison inmates.
Visits from loved ones, workshops, face- to- face support, placements and activities were halted at jails including HMP Castle Huntly, in Tayside.
But the NHS substance use team continued to support clients and prisoners who requested their help.
Initially, the team didn’t have any face-to-face contact with prisoners and had to think of ways to keep their spirits up.
One idea which proved to be hugely successful at Castle Huntly was transforming an area of unused land inside the prison grounds into a working garden – with fruit and vegetables as well as flower beds and planters.
Case worker Louise Gray, from NHS Tayside, said: “We were able to turn some muddy, derelict land into an allotment for the inmates to take ownership of. Word spread and other prisoners asked to get involved.
‘ Some had an understanding or knowledge of gardening and were able to teach the others.
“They planted vegetables including onions, potatoes, carrots and lettuces and had a small herb garden. It was great to see how much they enjoyed working on it. They not only learnt new skills but also worked as a team.
“It was therapeutic and being out in the fresh air helped their mental health and general wellbeing. It also gave them a real sense of purpose.”
Gray nominated her team for the Unsung Hero prize in the 2020 Scottish Health Awards.
She said: “I am really proud of them all for what they have achieved by supporting their clients during this difficult time.”
Finalists in the other categories will be published on November 11 and all winners will be announced during a virtual ceremony on December 9.