A PLATFORM FOR RECOVERY
Phoenix Futures Scotland
and ScotRail have been working together over the last year to enable people in residential treatment to participate in the ScotRail ‘ adopt a station ’ volunteering programme . Since the programme launched in 2005 Scotland has seen the rejuvenation of over 260 railway stations through arts projects , charity initiatives and horticultural displays by community volunteers . Historically many stations in Scotland were known for their garden areas and this programme has seen a resurgence of pride among communities for their local station .
Before the nationwide lockdown the Phoenix Futures Scottish Residential Service ‘ adopted ’ Anniesland Station , meeting with Tracy Stevenson , the ScotRail community team ’ s development assistant , to discuss their plans for a range of activities . The residents then set about making these a reality by researching the types of
Liam Ward describes how Phoenix Futures Scotland has joined forces with ScotRail to boost residents ’ recovery and transform local railway stations at the same time
plants that would be suitable in a station environment , sourcing materials from suppliers and creating a calendar of activities . During lockdown Phoenix ’ s residents were unable to visit the station , so they began to grow seeds and bulbs in the residential ’ s own garden space that they will transfer to the station later . Following the relaxation of restrictions they were able to return to Anniesland station in September , with some additional safety measures in place . The majority of work so far has been identifying and preparing the areas they will be working in , and making them habitable for plant life . They have been receiving great feedback from station staff and local residents , and this has given everyone a sense of acceptance into the community .
The plans involve planting trees and flowers to promote a biodiverse environment and provide natural habitats for insects and wildlife , using recycled materials wherever possible . Some of the more eye-catching designs are train planters created by residents at HMP Glenochil , with a plan in place to turn them into carbon capture gardens – Anniesland will be one of first locations to have these planters installed .
Among the many benefits of this programme and partnership are enabling people accessing Phoenix Scotland ’ s services the opportunity to learn about the environment and develop new skills , as well as the therapeutic effects of being outdoors . It also provides the opportunity to support local communities and break down stigma .
By adopting Anniesland station Phoenix will deliver its Recovery through Nature ( RtN ) programme practically on its own doorstep , as the station is a five-minute walk away . While RtN has been a core part of the treatment programme for a long time , the adopt a station initiative has meant improved accessibility to RtN , including for wheelchair users . Phoenix has also
agreed to adopt Dunfermline Town railway station in Fife , where it already delivers RtN programmes ( DDN , July / August 2019 , page 17 ) and Communities of Recovery peer mentor services , and over the next few months service users will be clearing sites and installing carboncapture gardens .
‘ I am delighted to welcome Phoenix Futures Scotland to the adopt a station volunteering programme ,’ said Tracy Stevenson . ‘ At ScotRail , we ’ re committed to supporting the communities we serve , and everyone in them . Through this partnership we aim to support and encourage people within the community who are recovering from addiction . Our adopt a station programme is an inclusive environment where Phoenix residents can actively participate in their own community while learning new skills and increasing their confidence . This will help support their lifelong commitment to recovery .’
At Phoenix we enjoy getting involved in the communities in which we live , and actively look for opportunities to develop our local community work . ScotRail has given us a great opportunity to do this .
Liam Ward is residential marketing manager at Phoenix Futures
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