Charity gardening project has an innovative new design for wheelchair users

A charity gardening project has created what it believes is the first wheelchair accessible raised bed in Haverhill.

The bed is now being used by Suffolk Mind's Get Up And Grow ecotherapy project, which has run since 2014 on a Havebury allotment site next to the cemetery and is aimed at promoting and maintaining wellbeing (rather than therapy) and welcomes self-referrers and those signposted toit by Haverhill LifeLink.

Volunteer Alan Stinchcombe (pictured using his late mum's wheelchair), said: "The bed is innovative because it is very high, using height and depth dimensions for wheelchair accessible kitchen worksurfaces, allowing a seated person to work ahead rather than sideways-on.

"As far as we know, it is the first such facility in Haverhill."

Suffolk Mind urgently need another volunteer who is a keen gardener, willing to share their knowledge with participants and with an interest in promoting mental health, to work alongside Alan from 12.30pm to 3.30 every Thursday. Without another volunteer, the project's future is in doubt.

If you would like to volunteer contact Sarah Manton-Roseblade, at Suffolk Mind on 01284 338812 or via sarah.roseblade@suffolkmind.org.uk.