An Ormskirk charity dedicated to helping folks' mental health has shown its green fingered side!

QLocal's Roger Blaxall was invited down to take these photos at its gardening session in the Coronation Park bandstand on Tuesday night.

The inspirational charity run by Sheila Byrne of Derby St. has an holistic approach to support individuals in the community suffering with mental health difficulties, loneliness and social isolation.

And the free two hour session enabled a group of diverse people to pot a host of colourful plants and discuss connections with the nervous system, so when they're alone, they can return to that moment of positive energy the session gave them.

Everyone left with their own potted plants - and a smile on their face; evidence highlights the critical importance of garden plants, gardens and gardening helping benefit our physical, mental, and social wellbeing. There are very few, if any, other activities that can achieve all of the things that horticulture and gardening can – in particular, the measurable beneficial impacts on active lifestyles, mental wellbeing, and social interaction.

Hope St. hold sessions every Tuesday at the bandstand of Coronation Park from 5-7pm until their usual premises (Chapel Gallery, St Helen’s Road) reopens. Tomorrow, (weather permitting) there will be a free exercise session for all abilities, so pop along and join some likeminded people for a brew, biscuits and exercise. Bring a chair, blanket or exercise mat if you’re wishing to sit and some hand weights if you wish to make your session more intense.

*For more on this brilliant charity and the amazing work it does, click here: https://hopest.org.uk/