ST MARY’s, Westfield, in Workington, has been awarded a local-government grant for a latest garden and therapeutic drumming space, a part of its community outreach projects.
The award of £3050 from Cumberland Council will help the parish to regenerate space outside the church as a garden for rest and contemplation, and for growing produce intended for its cooking classes and community meals.
“It’s brought the entire community together”
The Revd Sharon Murphy, who was licensed as pioneer Priest-in-Charge last July, said: “The space was historically a community garden, but fell into disrepair. We are working with local partners to make all of it occur, and these funds might be such a lift.”
A dedicated space will even be created for community drumming sessions. Mrs Murphy’s husband, John, is a mental-health skilled who has used hand-drumming in therapy for individuals with complex emotional needs.
“It’s a really accessible activity, since you don’t must have done it before,” Mrs Murphy said. “And it helps an amazing cope with depression and anxiety. More than anything, it’s fun, and there’s a variety of laugher involved.”
A member of the community has come forward to take care of the garden, she said, which might make sure that the skin space was sustained as “somewhere people will be fully alive in God”.
