Back in bloom

Five months of planning, digging, planting, weeding, nurturing and general hard graft is about to start with the launch of the AWP in Bloom 2016.

Following in the success of the 2014 programme, which resulted in the creation of ten beautiful gardens from previously neglected areas of land, we look forward to seeing this year's transformations.

The five teams who have applied to take part this year will each receive £250 from the Trust's Charitable Fund for any equipment they need to create their gardening space, with funding for the same amount matched from local businesses.

Any produce grown will be used in the unit for cookery and healthy eating activities or can be sold, donated or even shown in local horticultural shows.

Our teams this year are:

• Juniper Ward - North Somerset
• Elmham Way - North Somerset
• Sycamore Ward - BANES
• Callington Road - Bristol
• Windswept Unit - Swindon

Judging in September will be carried out by a panel of senior staff, service users, the Chair of the Charitable Funds Committee and possibly a National Trust representative.

Dee Horscroft of the organisational development team says, "AWP in Bloom proved extremely popular with service users, family, carers and staff in 2014. The teams all have plans in place to develop their gardens for and we are excited to see the results.

AWP in Bloom highlights how gardening, as part of an occupational therapy programme, has a positive impact on promoting recovery among service users."

Thank you to the Trust's Charitable Funds Committee for supporting this worthwhile initiative.