By Lisa Ramsden
THE staff and volunteers at Ark Community Gardens were praised for the exceptional role they play when Health Minister Mike Nesbitt made a special trip to Newcastle to visit their “fantastic” facility.
During his tour of the project, Mr Nesbitt got to meet with some of team involved in the project and gained a greater insight into the local charity’s work.
Ark Community Gardens is a community-based charity and social enterprise, operating from a site on the outskirts of the town.
The organisation supports people of all ages, particularly those who experience mental ill health, social isolation, disability, autism, or longterm unemployment, providing structured, non-clinical support through activities such as gardening, organic food growing, woodworking, crafts, food and nutrition programmes, and volunteering.
Mr Nesbitt, who was accompanied by his Ulster Unionist colleague Lloyd Douglas, the party’s local spokesman, acknowledged “the wonderful support” it provides in the community.
“I was delighted to be able to tour this fantastic project and meet those involved with and benefitting from it,” Mr Nesbitt said.
“It was particularly encouraging to hear about how the activities on offer are enjoyed by so many, whether that’s working in the vegetable gardens or designing and crafting woodwork items.
“The wonderful support provided by Ark epitomises the vital role that community-based wellbeing and prevention initiatives play in supporting mental health, reducing social isolation, and helping people stay well.
“The ethos of the Ark approach aligns with my department’s wider focus on prevention and partnership working with the community and voluntary sector and also fits within the shift left model of neighbourhood delivery of health and social care.”
Joanna McCall, Ark’s director, said it was “a pleasure” to welcome Mr Nesbitt and added she was glad he had the chance “to see first-hand our facilities and the activities we have to offer”.
Highlighting how Ark Gardens provides “a safe and welcoming space for many vulnerable adults in our local area,” she said everyone associated with the charity “appreciated the opportunity to showcase the value of the service we provide”.
She added that a number of volunteers had the opportunity to meet with their special visitor, and “were able to share with the minister how much they enjoy coming to the Ark and the positive impact it has had on their lives.”
Joanna also explained that during his time on site, Mr Nesbitt met with some of Ark’s growing team and had a sample of some of their homegrown produce.
In addition, in the workshop, Martin, who is one of Ark’s dedicated volunteers, was able to demonstrate the woodturning skills he has learned since getting involved.
“Some of our board also had the opportunity to talk to the minister about the pressures we face as a charity, where financial support does not match the demand for our much-needed services,” she concluded.
