ST MARY’s, Westfield, in Workington, has been awarded a local-government grant for a new garden and therapeutic drumming space, 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 relaxation and contemplation, and for growing produce intended for its cooking classes and community meals.

“It’s brought the whole 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 it all happen, and these funds will be such a boost.”

A dedicated space will also be created for community drumming sessions. Mrs Murphy’s husband, John, is a mental-health professional who has used hand-drumming in therapy for people with complex emotional needs.

“It’s a very accessible activity, because you don’t need to have done it before,” Mrs Murphy said. “And it helps a great deal with depression and anxiety. More than anything, it’s fun, and there’s a lot of laugher involved.”

A member of the community has come forward to maintain the garden, she said, which would ensure that the outside space was sustained as “somewhere people can be fully alive in God”.