Over the last two months a team of locals have been working hard to brighten up the fire station in an effort to create a welcoming and relaxing community space.

Oakham Fire Station have been looking to utilise their outdoor space to benefit the community and provide a safe space for anyone to come and look after their mental health.

Two months ago they teamed up with Pepper's - A Safe Place, to help create this new green space. Pepper's is Rutland's local mental health group with a shop front based in Oakham town centre, open to locals and those in need.

The team have been planting, weeding, painting, building and tidying up. They have had amazing support from the community and local businesses, with donations of bulbs, plants, paint, a boat, and even some brilliant plant boxes from Men in Sheds.

Pippa from Pepper's - A Safe Place says, "it's been lovely to see the transformation of the garden and to see so many people get involved. We hope that in spring next year it will be a colourful, bright and relaxing space for the community to enjoy."

There are plenty of jobs left to do before winter and the group are keen to involve the community in this work.

The work so far, has been led by Julie Abell, who said, "gardening can be so beneficial for our mental health, we're keen to get as many people involved as possible."

The gardening group meet every other week on Tuesday afternoons, everyone is welcome, you don't have to be a skilled gardener of a member at Pepper's, just send us a message and come and have a go. Our number is 07714 503 556, or you can email [email protected]

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Our next session will be on Tuesday 2nd November and we will be planting bulbs from 12:30.

To check out more local community projects and events, click on our What's On page. Alternatively hit the 'nub It' button at the top of the page to share your own events.