Derry's 'The Herbal Hub' - new free community-based herbal clinic becomes instant hit in community
A conversation over a coffee that ignited an idea, has led to the creation of a free, community-based herbal clinic that has seen hundreds through its doors in the first few weeks.
The Herbal Hub can be found in Creggan Country Park, sharing its space with the existing Community Fridge and runs a ‘drop-in’ clinic every Monday.
The hub offers support for a wide range of everyday issues including coughs, colds, digestion, sleep, PMS, minor skin concerns and general wellbeing.
It is already a big hit, with people ‘from all walks of life coming through the door’.
The team behind The Herbal Hub recently told the Journal how it was first set up, the growing interest in natural responses to health and how the clinic is a ‘fully collaborative, community-led project.’
"It started with Naiomi Kelly, (Mama Nomes) the founder of the herbal hub and the Environmental Officer of Creggan Country Park, Fiona McCann having a conversation over a coffee.”
Fiona said: “We discussed the major gap locally for people who are waiting on healthcare appointments, or just need some support in the meantime.
“We wanted to create a space where people could come in, sit down, and access simple, natural support without cost being a barrier, especially for those who might not know where to start.”
Naiomi was considering running a Gofundme page to try and get something started and Fiona was looking to expand on the support provided in the Community fridge.
Naiomi said: “It seemed fated that we had had this conversation right as Fiona was making an application to the national lottery for the Grow Your Circle project which aims are to improve overall well-being, strengthen social connections and tackle issues such as isolation, poverty and food insecurity through nature. The herbal hub was a perfect fit for this project and so it was decided it would become part of it, we were over the moon when the National Lottery Community Fund contacted to say the funding was approved.”
The clinic runs as a drop-in every Monday in Creggan Country Park.
"People come in, fill out a short form, and sit down with a herbalist for around 15–20 minutes.
“Everything is completely free, including the remedies, all made possible by the National Lottery Community Fund, we cannot thank them enough.
The Herbal Hub is made up of the environmental officer of Creggan Country Park, a group of herbalists working together alongside Creggan Country Park, including Naiomi Kelly from Mama Nomes, Jane from Spiral Soul Apothecary, and Cáit from Hawthorn Herbalism.
"As well as some long-standing volunteers from the park that pitch in with printing, tea/coffee etc. when they can and of course our wonderful funders from The National Lottery Community Fund.
“Everyone involved plays an active role in running the clinic, supporting the public, and shaping how the space works day-to-day. It really is a shared effort, and the project wouldn’t function without that collective input.”
The reaction to the clinic has ‘been really strong from the start.’
"Across our first three clinic days, we saw close to 150 people, which shows just how much the service is needed locally.
“What’s been most noticeable is how open people are. We’ve had people from all walks of life come through the door...people bringing their children, bringing their parents, and a really strong mix of men and women as well, which has been great to see.
“It feels like there’s been a real shift in how people are thinking about their health. People are more curious, more open to trying natural approaches, and more willing to take an active role in their own wellbeing.
“It has also been a big hit on social media, we made a separate page just for the herbal hub on Instagram where people can follow along to see updates on times or medicine making workshops, retreats etc. that might be taking place that they would be interested in. The page has 1,831 followers to date and we are only getting started, we have lots of plans for the future if we can secure a larger funding pot so watch this space!”
The team said they feel that ‘a big part’ of why people are drawn to The Herbal Hub is ‘accessibility’.
“There are no costs, no long wait, and people can simply walk in and speak to someone. We are right in the heart of an area of deprivation and with the cost of everything increasing, it is lovely to be able to give something free of financial worry back to our community.
“There’s also a growing interest in natural approaches to health, but it can be difficult to know where to start. This gives people a way to explore that with guidance, to ask questions, understand what they’re doing, and feel confident in it.
“Being based in Creggan Country Park is also a huge part of it. It’s a calm, welcoming environment, and for a lot of people it’s bringing them into a space they might not have used before which is a big part of what we at the park already do, guide people into connecting with nature even in an urban setting where it isn’t always easy.
“At its heart, this is about small, local change. Giving people simple tools in connecting with the natural world, a bit of knowledge, and a space where they feel supported.
“When people feel healthier and more confident in themselves, that naturally ripples out...into their families, their homes, and the wider community. And that’s where real change starts.”