Therapeutic allotment welcomes HRH The Princess Royal , to demonstrate the benefits and impact on local people ’ s lives
the site and an opportunity to learn more about the benefits it brings to a wide range of people .
Victoria Woodruff , Senior Occupational Therapist and Exercise , Activity and Physical Health Team Leader , said : ‘ The allotment is an amazing place , which brings a lot of enjoyment and occupation to a large number of people . It ’ s a complete oasis in the middle of the city , where we can spend time alongside our service users enabling them to establish roles and routines , maintain existing skills and develop new ones .
‘ We were delighted to welcome The Princess Royal , particularly with her interest in occupational therapy , so that we could demonstrate the huge benefits the allotment and this type of therapeutic intervention can bring to have a big impact in people ’ s lives .’
We ’ re delighted that our Patron , HRH The Princess Royal has today seen an exceptional example of how an occupational therapist-led service can help you achieve the breakthroughs you need to elevate your everyday life .”
Above : HRH The Princess Royal meets OT Victoria Woodruff ( standing to the left and behind ) during her tour of the Montpellier Unit allotment
On 13 January , Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited a newly-developed therapeutic allotment in Gloucester , which is helping people with mental health conditions on their road to recovery .
The allotment is managed by service users , occupational therapists and other colleagues from the Montpellier Unit , part of Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust . As our Patron , Her Royal Highness was given a tour of
The allotment site has been significantly refurbishment in recent months , including new fishponds , a nature area , a chicken run and an aviary . And areas to grow and cultivate produce , which is used in cookery programmes .
As well as being used by the services users from the Montpellier Unit , other teams and local services now also benefit from spending time in the allotment and developing their skills .
Future plans include a new building where more activities can take place , especially during bad weather , and work to make the site fully accessible to people with limited mobility .
Odeth Richardson , RCOT Chair of Council , said : ‘ We ’ re delighted that our Patron , HRH The Princess Royal has today seen an exceptional example of how an occupational therapist-led service can help you achieve the breakthroughs you need to elevate your everyday life .
‘ I ’ m impressed and proud of what ’ s been achieved and how it ’ s been inspired by the visions of Victoria and current service users , who are at the forefront of all decision making and planning for the site .’
8 OTnews February 2023