The community has come together to support a mental health charity after its garden was damaged by vandals.

Vandals broke into a garden at Borehamwood Wellbeing Centre in Leeming Road on Monday June 29.

Plant pots were smashes up, including pots hand-painted by patients, while a handmade bird table, another table and chairs was also smashed up.

The garden is used by 'Number 10' and run by Herts Mind Network, which aims to empower people with mental health or substance misuse issues, giving them the opportunity to develop their skills, build self-confidence and move forward into training, further their education or get into paid employment.

Katie Adams, community outreach worker, discovered the damage.

She said: "We were devastated when we found the damage. Our small garden is a safe space for us to meet people currently experiencing mental health difficulties during the coronavirus lockdown.

"Many people are struggling during the lockdown, which means our services are even more important than ever."

Borehamwood Times:

Some of the damage to the garden

Karlie Baecke, also an outreach worker, added: "I put a plea out on a couple of community groups on Facebook for help and was overwhelmed by the response. We had over 200 people offer donations of plants, pots, soil, equipment and time. I would like to thank each and every person for their support."

Morrisons and Tesco in Borehamwood heard the plea and got in contact to donate plants and equipment.

Builder Eric Nash fixed the broken gate and replaced the lock free of charge, and Gav & Son’s Scaffolding LTD spent an entire morning removing the damaged items, clearing the space to make it safe, as well as potting plants and flower arranging.

Borehamwood Times:

Tesco has also shown their support

Councillor Caroline Clapper, responsible for leisure, culture and health at Hertsmere Borough Council, said: "Herts Mind Network provides invaluable support to local residents during difficult times and it is heartening to see local people giving support back.

"Lockdown has been incredibly difficult for many people; the community spirit in Hertsmere constantly impresses me.

"This is just one example of how people have worked together to help others in need during difficult times."

The council has worked to support Herts Mind Network’s presence at Number 10 for a number of years, most recently with the allocation of £7,500 grant from the community infrastructure fund to provide an additional space for one-to-one sessions.