News

A new horticultural nursery will be opening in Poole Park on Wednesday 10 October, World Mental Health Day, following the lease of the site to a charity which supports people with mental health problems: the Sheltered Work Opportunity Project (SWOP).

The deputy Mayor of Poole, Councillor Mrs Joyce Jones, will officially launch the project which will provide work, rehabilitation and training opportunities in horticulture for people with mental health problems.

Councillor Graham Wilson, Executive spokesperson for Community Information and Support Services, said: "I am delighted that SWOP have taken on this project in Poole Park and made use of the nursery, I am sure local people will enjoy being able to buy plants from there once again. It will also provide a wonderful opportunity for people with mental health problems to develop their horticultural skills whilst giving them a chance to enjoy a different social environment."

The nursery, which used to grow plants for floral decorations around the town, was closed in 1998. Now its aim is to promote the work of SWOP and grow bedding plants which can be sold to the public.

People are referred to SWOP by agencies working with and supporting people with a mental illness. SWOP's first project, Cherry Tree Nursery, which is based at Northbourne has been very successful. The nursery, which has been running for 11 years, grows plants and is currently helping more than 100 people.

For further information about the nursery please contact: Clive Smith, Head of Leisure Services, Borough of Poole, tel:(01202) 261380 or e-mail: c.smith@poole.gov.uk

For issues relating to mental health please contact: Allan Brown, Principal Officer Mental Health, Borough of Poole, tel:(01202) 633614 or e-mail: a.brown@poole.gov.uk