Neil Duncan-Jordan MP's "Positive About Poole"
We are thankful that our co-Founder and Project Manager Alix Rusling was invited by MP Neil Duncan-Jordan to speak about Cornerstone Patch in relation to the Importance of Place, at his Positive About Poole event, hosted and funded by Lush and BCP's Unison branch on 12th September.
It was inspiring to be amongst a group of passionate people who all care about Poole being the best it can be and celebrating all that is good.
Due to a technical hitch, there was only time to share one of the few stories of how the Patch has had a significant impact on the lives of residents: Elaine, Michael, Ela, and Teresa. With their permission we are able to share them here. Please see below.
As Neil announced his pledge to hold a referendum for Poole’s residents to have a say in what they think are the most important issues for Poole, Cornerstone Patch also had a mention in the Bournemouth Daily Echo as one of the many community groups in Poole that work with passion and dedication for the community.
“As we continue Herbert Carter school’s swimming pool legacy, of a community asset brought forward by local people, many people’s lives are being transformed, made more whole through connecting with nature and with others in their community. Overcoming loneliness, isolation, anxiety, and depression, to live life more fulfilled. To thrive and flourish. ”
Bradley
Bradley now 16, was struggling at school, and loved finding his identity and a sense of purpose through helping us set up Cornerstone Patch. Often venting his pent-up frustration by digging at the Patch, Bradley also experienced so much joy at seeing his time and dedication bring food to take home and share with his family. As well as seeing others enjoy the garden he was a part of creating. Bradley loved gardening with children from Muddy Boots. Along with his family support, Cornerstone Patch has been a big part in keeping him away from peers doing drugs.
Elaine
Elaine who is retired, loved reminiscing about how she and her school friends used to swim in the then Herbert Carter’s pool. Not that they liked it as the water was freezing and green!
During one session as we were preparing an area for the installation of the irrigation system, we found a plaque from when the pool was opened. Elaine loved sharing this moment with Bradley … a beautiful moment connecting the generations as we discovered that, like Cornerstone Patch, the pool was created by local people with local lads.
After picking some fragrant Sweetpeas a couple of years ago and taking them to the group of school friends that regularly meet up, Elaine told them how the pool they swam in was being transformed. This summer the friends all met at the Patch for a social. Loving being able to meet in a place they shared so much, stirring memories, and lots of laughter including their excuses for not being able to swim …
Elaine’s confidence grew organising this social and was very proud to share all we had achieved. Her friends felt so encouraged that a piece of waste ground had been turned into something productive that involved children.
Michael
Last year, Michael had a mental breakdown caused by work-related stress. Knowing his love of gardening and seeing his need for connection, the Community Mental Health team suggested he and his wife Linda try Hamworthy Allotments. They were told there were no community sessions available, but to try Cornerstone Patch. Linda popped into the hub, and Michael was soon linked in to the Saturday sessions. Since May, he has come to the Patch every week and diligently works to complete the tasks Bel sets. Now he and Linda enjoy the fruit of his labour. Not only is Cornerstone Patch part of Michael’s mental health recovery and giving him something to do, Linda has two precious hours a week where she doesn’t have to worry about him, knowing he is happy and safe.
Ela
Ela moved to Poole last year fleeing domestic abuse. She connected with The Power House attending our Creative Wellbeing Sessions funded by NHS Dorset Community Mental Health and Wellbeing fund. These sessions had such a profound impact on Ela’s wellbeing, they enabled her to access more sessions both with us and in the community. This included starting and completing a Horticultural course, and she now loves linking in with Cornerstone Patch and is an integral member of The Power House community.
“Both Ela and Teresa attend our Thrive Sessions – our arts and craft drop ins and are often making beautiful things to go in Cornerstone Patch or take home. They are brilliant examples of how ongoing support beyond one short course of intervention can make a more marked and lasting improvement to wellbeing, and subsequently to their prolonged wellness and enhancing their whole life.”
Teresa
Last year, Teresa a single parent to a teenage son, had become agoraphobic. After also attending our Creative Wellbeing Sessions her wellbeing improved to the extent she felt able to come to Cornerstone Patch. Teresa fulfilling her need for outdoor connection having grown up in the countryside.