Aldergrove Cottage: Co Antrim mum creates a safe haven for mental health support

Laura Docherty founded Aldergrove Cottage, a trauma-informed mental health and wellbeing service, after almost a decade working in mental health provision.

Laura’s journey as an OT began with creativity. Although she initially considered studying art and design, encouragement from her mum - and her school art teacher, who suggested she could use her creativity to support others - inspired Laura to pursue Occupational Therapy.

After qualifying from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh in 2010, she began her career in paediatric Occupational Therapy.

Over time, Laura rotated across a variety of areas including orthopaedics, care of the elderly, and older adult rehabilitation wards. “My first rotation into mental health was in 2015,” Laura said. “I eventually became the team lead OT in the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service in the Northern Trust. These experiences taught me so much about the resilience of people and about myself, and confirmed that mental health OT was the area I wanted to further expand.”

Earlier this year, Laura decided to take the plunge and create a new role for herself. She has been supported by her husband Mark, who brings experience in business management and launching new ventures. “I wanted to set up a trauma-informed environment, while also creating a service that complemented my home life,” she explained. “As a mum of three, I needed something that would support and celebrate the unique ways my own family experience the world.

“While we are still in the early stages, we are optimistic about the future and have plans to expand Aldergrove Cottage and our clinical spaces over the next few years.”

Aldergrove Cottage provides targeted support for families, carers, young people, and adults. “We want everyone to feel comfortable connecting with the environment - both inside and out,” said Laura. “The house itself is first and foremost a home, with a warm, welcoming atmosphere that helps people feel at ease. There’s always a warm drink and a regulating snack ready for visitors.”

Services are inclusive and designed for people of all abilities. “You don’t need a formal diagnosis to take part in our group work - anyone interested in developing coping strategies, self-awareness, or emotional wellbeing is welcome. We use a range of approaches, including sensory attachment intervention, to help people connect with themselves and others.”

Establishing the business, meanwhile, has seen its own unique rewards and challenges. “The best thing has been creating an environment that truly supports connection and engagement. With such a versatile space, we can adapt sessions to suit individual needs, whether that’s adjustments based on arousal levels, energy, or presentation,” Laura added. “Having previously worked in very clinical settings, it’s been wonderful to have a more flexible, homely environment to support therapeutic work.

“One of the hardest aspects has been learning new ways to reach people. Unlike my previous roles in the Trust, I now need to use social media and other platforms to engage and connect with potential clients and colleagues. While this has been challenging, it’s also very exciting. Every new follower or interaction on [social media] motivates me as I continue on this new path."