Mental health learners blossom

The students attended the Moreton Morrell centre over a six week period where they were introduced to the different aspects of horticulture including propagating, planting, plant identification and using tools.

Coventry City Council secured a grant through the Strategic Health Authority to fund apprenticeships for people recovering from mental illness. The project involved those who have been working with the service for a number of years.

The project was the idea of Training and Enterprise Development Worker, Nikki Taylor, who explained: “We had been running a day centre for many years, but wanted to do more than just occupy people, helping instead to engage them in education and employment.

“This bespoke horticulture course was the first one we ran as part of the programme and it enabled people to try things they hadn’t done before. The course really stimulated and enthused the students. Some of them had a real passion for the subject which was great to see.”

One student commented: "The course has helped me to be responsible and creative, to be part of a team and understand what the different tools and the various pots and trays are used for. The teacher is very good and helpful - thank you."

Warwickshire College Delivery Manager, Laura Stewart, explained the principles behind the programme: “We worked closely with the council to develop a course which would really engage and interest the students, with the ultimate aim of them going on to further training or employment.

“It is much more fulfilling and inclusive to engage people in employment opportunities than for them to spend their life on benefits. We are now talking to the council about providing further training in horticulture and in other subject areas too.”

The council is now providing a number of horticulture apprenticeships for mental health students and one person will be starting an apprenticeship as a result of this course. Some have also gone on to the level 1 horticulture programme at the college.