MENTAL health patients in York are finding relief from their troubles by working on an allotment.

The new scheme is run by NHS North Yorkshire and York to help patients cared for by its Older Adults Community and Health Mental Health team.

It was set up by Martin Chappelow, a community support worker, and Peter Moore, a community psychiatric nurse, following donations of tools and a summerhouse through Freecycle – an online network that enables people to give away their unwanted belongings.

Other tools have also been bought with money donated by McDonalds restaurants in York.

Mr Chappelow said: “The patients come to the allotment and help with the groundwork, weeding and growing of vegetables.

“Everybody appears to really enjoy themselves as it gives all of us a sense of achievement when we see the results of the hard work.

“I think the work the patients have achieved is fantastic and I would encourage other people to take on projects like this.

“It is really therapeutic and can help people who are suffering from depression or ongoing issues such as social isolation. Another benefit is that the patients can take home the fruit and vegetables that they have grown.”

Janet Probert, managing director of NHS North Yorkshire and York’s community and mental health services said: “It is thanks to the dedicated efforts of our members of staff that innovative schemes like the allotment group are able to get off the ground.

We are really grateful to both Martin and Peter, whose efforts have already made such a huge difference to our service users within the group, and to those who have kindly donated money and equipment.”