Growing connections and therapeutic allotments

Tune into the South west Allied Health Professions (AHPs) 2024 Podcast series, featuring 12 episodes. Recorded at Westonbirt Arboretum, the series includes 8 live campfire stories and 4 additional episodes. AHPs from across the South West share stories that connect, inspire, and elevate, showcasing how they implement the AHPs Deliver strategy for England. At the far end of the city of Gloucester there was a baron, neglected allotment that was overgrown with weeds. Amongst the weeds, the outline of a long-forgotten cabin and some greenhouse shaped objects could be seen in the distance. It was obvious the place was once loved, but those times had clearly passed. Vicky wiped the cobweb encrusted sign near the gates – sun faded and tired, it read – Severn Enterprise. “Oh, that’s the old sheltered workshop that used to be here – it closed years ago, shame really, it gave people something purposeful and productive to do”. Vicky looked around the site that had obviously offered so much to so many and was crying out to fulfil that role once again. “Do you think we can make this something special again?” Vicky asked. “What have you got in mind?” exclaimed Robert Join Victoria Woodruff the Engagement, Activity and Physical Health Team (EAP) Team Lead/ Occupational Therapist and Robert Young, EAP Practitioner, from the Montpellier Unit – Wotton Lawn Hospital, Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS FT as they tell the story of an ever-expanding group of people who have collaboratively re-developed a therapeutic allotment resource to aid the recovery journeys of service users. The story shares the raw highs and lows of that journey and provides listeners with an insight into what the future holds. A transcript of this episode is available on our website - https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/ep6-growing-connections-victoria-woodruff-rob-young/ Contact us: england.ahpwte.sw@nhs.net