NHS Lanarkshire has won an award for offering people with mental health issues the chance to bloom in confidence by tending flowers at local railway stations.

The Adopt a Station gardening project, a partnership between NHS Lanarkshire’s mental health occupational therapy service and social enterprise Clydesdale Community Initiatives (CCI), scooped the prize for Outstanding Teamwork at the Community Rail Awards.

The initiative sees people who are supported by mental health occupational therapists volunteering to brighten up five stations – Coatbridge Central, Coatbridge Sunnyside, Hamilton West, Whifflet and Wishaw.

Nicola Glendinning, a specialist occupational therapist at Coathill Hospital in Coatbridge, said: “The Adopt a Station Project has, literally, been a platform for change.

“It was set up and funded by ScotRail. Our mental health and forensic occupational therapy staff and clients work with CCI, a landscaping organisation which aims to empower people facing significant barriers to social inclusion and employment due to their learning disability, mental health issue or other challenges.

“The majority of volunteers will have experienced mental health issues. For some their condition has been long-term and severe, stopping them participating in community activities.

“The station project gives them a great opportunity to make a positive contribution to their community and to socialise. It allows them to develop their practical skills, whilst growing in confidence and self-esteem.”

The team from Hamilton West station was the first to take part in the initiative and represented the project at the awards. The trophy was received by occupational therapy assistant practitioner George Simpson and volunteer Jamie Brennan, from Hamilton.

Advanced practitioner occupational therapist Maureen Black said: “At Hamilton West we have used the environment to enhance vocational skills with woodwork, willow weaving, dry-stone walling and planting a range of flowers and shrubs.”