16th April 2026
“It’s a little piece of heaven. It’s magical. It’s a hug.” Helen is one of the volunteers at Woodland Wellbeing at Leslands, and it’s hard to disagree with her description of this innovative Barrow project.
Tucked away off a main road on farmland on the outskirts of the town, Woodland Wellbeing is a social enterprise aiming to boost emotional, physical, and mental health. Small groups of adults meet once a week to grow produce, upcycle furniture, and take part in other activities such as arts and crafts.
Debbie is a regular attendee but had her doubts when she was first invited. “I hadn’t left the house for two years so I was a bit dubious. But now I love coming here. If I’ve had a stressful time at home with my children, coming here is my de-stress. I can rant at Helen and Elaine. They’re good listeners and give me some good advice.”
Group members and volunteers work alongside each other, tending plants in the greenhouse and raised beds. They sell any surplus produce locally.
Having a reason to leave the house and working the land has given Debbie a renewed focus on her own health. “I’ve got COPD and people kept saying to me, ‘you’ve got to stop smoking’ but I get annoyed when people tell me I’ve got to do something.
“Since coming here, I’ve really cut down. I’m down to less than 10 a day, from 30 a day. And I’ve lost weight.”
The project was the brainchild of Elaine Carter, who previously worked in adult mental health and children’s services for 30 years. “I wanted to do something that really made a difference, taking into account what people said they needed and wanted,” she explained
She is supported by a team of volunteers, and also has excellent support from the local community.
“People are really kind,” she said. “When we tell them about the project, they often give us things for free.”
Participants are offered transport to and from the site and given a nutritious lunch. The project received a grant from the People Helping People Fund, managed by Cumbria Community Foundation, towards staff and volunteer costs.
Elaine explained: “Our goal is to create a safe, inclusive, and sustainable community space where individuals can develop confidence, resilience, and transferable skills to lead fulfilling, independent lives. We’re all really passionate about it.”
The site has a cozy cabin that the group can retreat to if the weather gets too bad. Along the farm track, a pen houses a Shetland pony and an alpaca which members help to look after.
Claire, a former heroin addict, attends Woodland Wellbeing sessions with her rescue dog. “I’ve never seen anything like this before. There’s nothing like it in Barrow.”
“I come here because I’ve got mental health problems and I’ve got a lot going on, but I can talk to Elaine. I’m clean now, and this helps me with that. The people here are more of a good influence.”
Debbie added: “I think the one reason why we come here is because we feel safe. I can’t go into the supermarket. It’s too overwhelming.
“Big groups can be a bit too intimidating for me. I deal better with small groups so this is ideal for me.”
Debbie has now become a director of Woodland Wellbeing, in recognition of her growing knowledge and commitment.
“It’s a real honour, something I’m quite proud of. Elaine is kind, compassionate… she knows how to treat people as equals. I love it here.”
Some names have been changed at the request of those featured.