Wathwood Hospital’s very own farm shop will be officially opened on 1 July 2011.
The shop sells fresh produce including fruit, vegetables, plants and flowers, hand-crafted gifts and jams, pickles and chutneys. The majority of goods are grown and produced on site with additional produce sourced from local markets, offering the local community an opportunity to buy ethically and reduce food miles.
The shop is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays between 9am and 3pm and for staff only on Mondays and Fridays.
The farm shop is a social enterprise initiative designed to provide a variety of opportunities and benefits to everyone involved. The Board behind the enterprise consistsof local residents, patients, local business people and hospital staff and takes the form of a Community Interest Company.
The main aim and focus of the venture is to equip patients with the ability to integrate into the community on discharge from Hospital whilst maximising their future employment prospects. Patients are present on the farm shop Board and involved in buying, producing and being part of the shop’s sales team.
Steve Ball, General Manager of the Hospital said: “Providing patients with opportunities to gain valuable vocational skills and training is proving to have a significant positive impact on levels of motivation and wellbeing and on the recovery process. In addition, the shop offers a great opportunity for patients to interact with the public in a work environment and break down barriers and the stigma associated with mental ill-health.”
Voluntary Action Rotherham and The Source (Meadowhall) have assisted the team to develop a viable business. All profits raised by the farm shop are reinvested into the running of the shop and the community interest company.
Nottinghamshire Healthcare Chief Executive, Professor Mike Cooke will declare the shop officially open. He said: “I am delighted to have the honour of opening the Wathwood Hospital farm shop. This is a truly great initiative which will provide real benefit not only to our patients, but also the hospital staff and the wider community.”
MP for Wentworth and Dearne and Shadow Health Secretary, John Healey MP is a supporter of Wathwood Hospital and the farm shop enterprise and will also be attending the event. He said: “The farm shop is proving to be a really successful venture not just for the patients at the Hospital, but also for members of the local community and I am sure it will continue to go from strength to strength.”
