A CHARITY has been given a cash boost to construct a tranquil setting that will help vulnerable adults with mental health conditions.

Trust Links, which supports people with mental health problems, has secured £20,000 of funding from the People’s Postcode Lottery to run a therapeutic gardening project in Rochford.

The project will provide horticultural training and wellness activities for adults with mental health problems, learning disabilities and physical disabilities.

Matt King, the chief executive of Trust Links, said that the money would really benefit residents in Rochford.

He added: “We are delighted to have been awarded this funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery as this is the first project of its kind within the Rochford area.

“We have seen therapeutic gardening transform people’s lives at our Growing Together projects in Westcliff, Shoebury and Thundersley and it is great to be able to offer this service to help and support vulnerable adults in Rochford.”

The project Growing Together Rochford will transform the overgrown grounds of the Rocheway Centre into a community garden. The project will include clearing the overgrown grounds, planting an orchard area, building raised vegetable beds and planters, installing seating areas and creating a wildlife habitat.

The half-acre site surrounds an Eco Building, which is a multi-functioning centre.

Last year, the charity also secured £25,000 from the Big Lottery Fund People’s Projects.

They used the cash for its Growing Together Shoebury project. The charity used the money to improve and further develop the site by putting in permanent paths suitable for wheelchairs and prams, and installing reminiscence features such as a bus stop, post box and scented flowers to help those people who are living with dementia.

They won the public vote in the Anglia East region for the People’s Projects.

In just over two weeks, they secured enough votes to be one of three projects to receive the full funding asked for.

‘Growing Together Rochford’ runs every Friday at the Rocheway centre.

For further information about how to become involved with ‘rowing Together Rochford or to learn more about Trust Links and the work it does, you can call 01702 213134 or alternatively go to trustlinks.org