West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin visited the growing Link Nurseries in Powick and offered her continued support as it develops plans to extend its operations. The MP was given a tour of the site and briefed on efforts to use the facility more offering extended mental healthcare services and vocational training through local colleges and universities. Harriett was instrumental in securing the continued use of the site after the local NHS withdrew its services four years ago and threatened to sell the site for development. It is now run by Warwickshire College Group, made possible by funding from the Bransford Trust, and the facility is now flourishing. Harriett met with Malvern Hills College director Sharon Bell, site manager Phil Woodhead and the Bransford Trust’s Colin Kinnear for an update on the services now being offered including horticultural therapy for local people and helping ex-servicemen with mental health issues. Harriett commented: “It was good to visit the Link Nurseries again and see the amazing changes that have taken place including new growing areas and vastly improved work spaces. “It has been given an impressive new lease of life working with the Warwickshire College Group and we had a really useful conversation about how it could be used even more. “The plan was to ensure that health services continued to be offered on the site, which used to be the old Powick Hospital, and I am keen to spread the word to the wider health community about how great this place is. “Local people can show their own support by shopping there and buying some of the great plants or local produce. “Warwickshire College Group has committed to investing in a marketing effort as well and I hope that more people will chose the Link Nurseries as part of their own personal care plan recovering from mental ill health.” Photo: Link Nurseries manager Phil Woodhead (centre, left) gives (l-r) Harriett Baldwin MP, Colin Kinnear and Sharon Bell a tour of the facility.