We all know that being outdoors is good for our mental health. But it’s not just spending time outside that improves our wellbeing, it’s actively participating in making where we live a nice place to be. However, we know that not everyone is able to enjoy the benefits of the natural world around them so that’s why we’re working with communities to connect more people to the outdoors.
We’re big advocates of gardening and growing and encouraging the communities we work with to get involved in projects. So we’re shouting about all the great gardening and growing our customers have been enjoying recently. From re-purposing allotments to sewing seeds, every moment spent outside is a boost.
Here’s a look at what our customers have been up to.
Taking ownership of local green spaces
We want our customers to feel empowered to take the lead where they live. This extends to the environment around them. Our Sawyers Close Gardening Group are a great example of this, transforming their local green space into a beautiful garden for the whole neighbourhood to enjoy.
In 2019 they secured £10,000 from Awards for All, part of the National Lottery Funding, to create a beautiful garden for every resident to enjoy. Since then the garden has sprung to life and enjoyed recognition from local awards. It’s a real symbol of community spirit, with volunteers coming together to make it a relaxing spot for everyone to enjoy.
During lockdown, the group planted salad and vegetables to grow and share, while providing a safe place for families and individuals to sit and spend time in nature during an isolated time. They also donated leftover items to a local foodbank. Additionally, the local community have seen their gardening skills develop and children are enjoying getting involved too. A local resident said:
“I started getting involved in the community garden last autumn and it’s been a great project to get outside in the fresh air and build on what has already been achieved. As we come through this pandemic, I hope it will be a place for people to meet and enjoy and encourage children to get involved in nature, gardening and being out in the fresh air.”
The garden, brought to life through the dedication and commitment of the community, will continue to bring joy to residents not only now – at a time when it’s needed most – but long into the future.
Boosting wellbeing and supporting recovery
In Mansbridge we’ve been working closely with STAMP, an inspiring peer support group for people recovering from addiction. The group have been transforming plots at our allotment, giving them a safe space to recover and improve their wellbeing with the support of others.
“Everyone who attends has said how much help it’s been, and they love learning from us. It encourages them to get out and get positive with nature and gardening. This project has had a tremendous impact on peoples wellbeing” – Mike Filce, STAMP member
The group have just taken on another plot and we provided two skips to help them clear the area ready for more growing and gardening. We love seeing the allotments change and grow, and seeing the people involved enjoy the benefits of being outside.
Green fingers across the community
All across the region we’re seeing our customers feel the benefits of gardening and growing. Perhaps more in the past 12 months than ever before. With a renewed sense of just how important spending time outside is, we’ve been working with the community and our partners to get different projects off the ground.
In Amesbury we’ve given older adults kits to grow hyacinths, supported by Wiltshire Council’s Health and Wellbeing Fund. In Gosport we’ve sent out 250 potato seed packets, thanks to funding from the Gosport Community Lottery. Residents are enjoying healthy competition to see who can grow the heaviest crop, connecting people and supporting mental wellbeing. In Dorset we’ve teamed up with Planet Doctors to give customers a ‘grow your own from home’ starter pack, and in Amesbury we’re supporting residents with their very own gardening group.
Read more about a new orchard in Windsor, feel inspired by a young Gosport resident supporting his neighbourhood, or learn more about the Westfield Community Garden.
Whatever the project, we’re seeing the joy our customers get from gardening and growing. These projects are improving health and wellbeing, reducing isolation and empowering people to turn their ideas into reality.
