AMONG THE FIELDS OF GOLD

Tucked away behind a housing estate in Garston, a suburb of Liverpool, lies the woodland utopia known as Dutch Farm. It’s not easy to find – even with directions. But for those who walk through its rusty gate there’s a haven of nature, wildlife – and hope. Reporter Jackie Rankin and photographer Joel Goodman went to meet them.

We were lucky enough to be given an invitation to visit and instructions to enter. What we couldn’t have pre-empted was the feelings this idyllic spot evokes, and the impact on the lives of those who make up this remarkable community.

Annie Kilroy emerges from a huge Dutch Barn to greet us. Gently spoken and smiling, she explains that the main work today is creating a wildlife pond.

A group of people are busy at work under the shade of a huge sycamore tree. Their task is to line the new pond.

There’s a real sense of camaraderie. Those who prefer to do their own thing include Stevie, who is using his artistic skills to fashion a metal bird sculpture, perhaps for the edge of the pond?

The project centres around an allotment. It’s run by Person Shaped Support (PSS) as a wellbeing centre for people living with a mental health condition.

As senior practitioner, Annie’s role is to support clinical services through therapeutic activities. She and her colleagues adopt what she describes as a ‘light touch’ approach.

Julie is one of a team of volunteers creating a wildlife pond

“Unless someone chooses to share information we don’t enquire. But if they want to talk we’re there to offer support.”

There’s a ukulele group and a singing group. In warm weather they meet outside, surrounded by wildflowers and beehives. The Dutch Barn, paid for by Liverpool City Council through a £30,000 grant, stands magnificent, in dappled shade, offering respite and solace to those who enter, for an activity, or just a cuppa between tasks. Even planes overhead and a train line behind can’t spoil the serenity of the spot.

A 12 week beekeeping course was funded by suicide prevention funding from Public Health Liverpool.

“When we came back after lockdown we had five new members for the beekeeping course, all men. Two had lost someone to suicide, so they were able to support each other.”

Flexibility is key to success. “The focus is on managing anxiety and improving someone’s mood. We want people to leave feeling better. They’re at different points on their journey and there may be times when they need a different type of service, but they know they can come back.”

Annie expects an influx of new recruits – an inevitable impact of the pandemic. They’ll soon be in a good place, in more ways than one.

“The beauty of this place is awe inspiring. Something happens when people come here. It makes people feel special. It’s unique.”

PSS Wellbeing Centres 0151 708 0415

IT STARTED WITH THE BEES

A hive of bees changed Danny’s life. Left jobless and homeless following his mental health issues, he’d come to the Dutch Barn project with little hope.

I’d had anxiety for years, I wasn’t expecting much. I’d tried different types of support but when I was feeling down I’d want to lock my self away.

Danny’s anxiety had become overwhelming. During a hospital stay he’d been evicted from his home. Mersey Care’s Early Intervention service helped him find accommodation and referred him to the project.

“On the first day I was really nervous. Then they showed me the bees. I was completely mesmerised just watching them. I wanted to keep coming back to see them and be involved in looking after them. It was amazing, being so close to nature, watching them pollinate.

“It’s become the place I go to get some relief from stress. For the first time I feel like I can look forward. The hardest part is when I have to leave.”

He looks across at project members making a new wildlife pond. “We’re learning about each other, you’re with people who understand. I just wish I’d found it earlier in my life.”