Preston’s Grade I-listed Samlesbury Hall has launched a new community wellbeing cafe and garden.

Launched on Sunday 27 June, the Heritage Community Cafe provides an accessible, indoor space for people to enjoy local produce and wellbeing activities.

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An outdoor community garden, hosting a rolling programme throughout the year, will be situated next to the cafe. The garden is under construction and will be open later in the summer.

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Director Sharon Jones said: “We’re thrilled to open our new cafe and garden to the public. As well as providing fantastic local food and drink, we want to use our new indoor and outdoor spaces to improve the local community’s mental health and wellbeing.

“Working in partnership with the public, private and third sector, we are keen to develop the skills and knowledge that will enhance the prospects of young people and adults who are experiencing or have encountered extraordinary challenges in their lives.”

Horticultural specialist Val Murray from Chorley has worked hard to recruit a team of volunteers and connect with local partners in the community.

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Val said: “The evidence is clear that access to nature is crucial for our mental health, and our new community garden space will be accessible for everyone to enjoy and feel better.”

The Samlesbury Hall team said they want to work with partners across Lancashire to build communities with people rather than for themselves.

Val said: “We want to nourish everyone’s emotional and physical wellbeing, and we are committed to including everyone from our diverse communities and creating spaces where all feel a sense of belonging.

“This is evident even in our choice of contractor for the garden construction, called Self Build Heroes, who are a team of military veterans skilled in all manner of internal and external building work.”

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The team are launching a programme of indoor and outdoor activities from September and welcomed everyone to the new venue from Sunday 27 June.

Samlesbury Hall is a Grade I-listed building, wedding venue, and a registered charity located on the outskirts of Preston. The hall is a half-timbered black and white medieval house built in 1325 as a family home.

Samlesbury Hall Trust administers the current building and grounds to preserve the hall for Lancashire residents and visitors.

The trust was founded in the 1920s when the hall was about to be demolished. Since then, it has been a museum and gallery and host to many functions.

For more information, visit – www.samlesburyhall.co.uk

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