It’s a platform for change at station
Awardfor efforts at Hamiltonwest
Hamilton West train station have been offering people with mental health issues the chance to bloom in confidence by tending flowers.
The Adopt a Station gardening project has proved such a success that it has now picked up a prize for Outstanding Teamwork at the Community Rail Awards.
It works as a partnership between NHS Lanarkshire’s mental health occupational therapy service and social enterprise Clydesdale Community Initiatives.
Advanced occupational therapist practitioner Maureen Black said: “At Hamilton West we have used the environment to enhance vocational skills with woodwork, willow weaving, dry-stone walling and planting a range of flowers and shrubs.”
The team from Hamilton West station were the first to take part in the initiative and it was so successful that volunteers are now brightening up four other stations – Coatbridge Central, Coatbridge Sunnyside, Whifflet and Wishaw.
The team from Hamilton West represented the project at the awards and the trophy was received by occupational therapy assistant practitioner George Simpson (pictured centre) and volunteer Jamie Brennan (left), from Hamilton.
Nicola Glendinning, a specialist occupational therapist, with NHS Lanarkshire said: “The Adopt a Station Project has, literally, been a platform for change.
“It was set up and funded by Scotrail. Our mental health and forensic occupational therapy staff and clients work with CCI, a landscaping organisation which aims to empower people facing significant barriers to social inclusion and employment due to their learning disability, mental health issue or other challenges.
“The majority of volunteers will have experienced mental health issues. For some their condition has been long-term and severe, stopping them participating in community activities. The station project gives them a great opportunity to make a positive contribution to their community and to socialise. It allows them to develop their practical skills, whilst growing in confidence and self-esteem.
“The excellent working relationships forged with Scotrail staff have contributed to the project’s success as volunteers have been able to be recognised in a ‘worker role’ where they wear high-visibility vests, comply with employment etiquette and adhere to health and safety procedures. This encouraged the volunteers to recognise how valuable their contribution is to improving the station environment and the importance of using their talents and abilities to make a positive impact for the travelling public.”