The museum enjoys working in partnership with a variety of other organisations on projects and initiatives which lead to a common goal. One such project – the Victorian Walled Garden project – is run by the East Ipswich Community Mental Health team at Suffolk Community Mental Health Partnership (SCMHP).

 

Through this initiative, people who have had mental health problems in the past, as part of their rehabilitation programme, come to work in the beautiful walled garden within the grounds of Abbots Hall. Here they learn horticulture skills and can gain NVQ Level 2 qualifications. Some move on to complete the Work Based Learning programme run by the museum and many become volunteers at the museum.

The project, which has been running for approximately two years with great success, is led by Jim Kemp, Technical Instructor and Julia Havers, Senior Occupational Therapist for the community mental health team.

In describing the benefits, Jim explained ‘The project is about vocational inclusion. As well as the obvious outcomes of learning new skills and gaining qualifications, it has many more benefits in terms of well being and health. In particular, it provides a structure for the participants, builds their self confidence, a sense of ownership and responsibility, all of which helps them with their independence.’