Local Linlithgow Constituency MSP, Fiona Hyslop, visited the Brock Garden, Wood and Craft Centre at the Strathbrock Partnership Centre in Broxburn in Fiona’s Linlithgow Constituency this week.
The Brock, located at the back of the Strathbrock Partnership Centre, is an independent charity and social enterprise that supports people in West Lothian with chronic mental illnesses. Fiona met with Chair of the Brock’s Board, John McLean, and service users at the Centre, and learned more about the invaluable work they do.
Service users can participate in therapeutic horticulture, woodwork, and craft activities such as textile, clay and paper crafts, and spend time with others who have similar interests, encouraging social inclusion. The Brock also organise outings and develop community projects – a recent project involved upgrading the borders at the front of the Broxburn Parish Church in July 2022. The team also produces and sells handmade or home-grown goods including plants; wooden garden products, such as benches, chairs, and wishing wells; and hanging baskets, among numerous other unique items. During the lockdown of April 2020, the team provided materials for therapeutic home projects, and opened the Community Mind Garden as an allotment space.
Fiona commented:
“It was a pleasure to visit the Brock and meet John McLean and service users at the centre. This is a wonderful social enterprise and provides a really important form of support – empowering, self-directed therapeutic activities and opportunities to connect with our communities are essential in living with chronic mental health conditions.
“I know many of my constituents have felt the impact of chronic mental illness, and it is heartening to know that there are organisations like the Brock, where support can be found. The Brock also sells some wonderful handmade and home-grown goods, including bespoke orders, and I would encourage all my constituents to check out their website to find out more.
“I particularly loved the creative use of the Brocks/Badgers throughout the centre, especially in the newly opened Mind Garden. I would encourage anyone who thinks they might benefit from being involved to get in touch”.
ENDS
Editor’s Notes: You can learn more about the Brock and how to join them or support their activities, or more about the products they sell at this link: https://www.thebrock.org/