Growing group of volunteers

Garden team brighten up Coathill

Patients, relatives and members of the public are being invited to help tend a flourishing garden at Coathill Hospital.

A volunteer group are growing fruit, vegetables and flowers in the grounds of the Coatbridge hospital and helpers have made great progress in improving the garden and learning new skills.

Members have created a wind shield for the planned potatogrowing area, cleared ground around their polytunnel to create more space, cut back branches, carried out willow work and painted raised beds.

The volunteer project is part of NHS Lanarkshire’s green health partnership programme and is being led by Clydesdale Community Initiatives at Coathill and three other hospitals.

Sessional workers Laura Gilchrist and Jamie Hope said: “Not only have we grown a huge range of veg but the hospitals have also used the produce for healthy eating groups making potato scones, soup and apple tarts.

“Clydesdale community kitchen and Clydesdale foodbank have also benefited with weekly donations of fresh produce.

“Being outdoors encourages people to be more active and to connect with nature. This helps build people’s confidence to try new things and reduces isolation.

“The project is open to all and has been running with great success.”

Lanarkshire green health partnership is supported by Scottish Natural Heritage, the Forestry Commission and Transport Scotland as well as the NHS, councils and local leisure and voluntary organisations.

For details of volunteering with the Coathill Hospital group email helen@cciweb.org.uk or call 01555 664211.

Flourishing The garden at Coathill Hospital