We’re invested in supporting our communities to improve their mental and physical health. A great example of this can be seen in our Mansbridge allotments, where local residents are growing their very own fruit and vegetables.
We’re invested in supporting our communities to improve their mental and physical health. A great example of this can be seen in our Mansbridge allotments, where local residents are growing their very own fruit and vegetables.
Through the allotment we’re helping local charity STAMP kickstart their growing and planting journey. STAMP aims to prevent isolation and boost self-confidence, whilst aiding addiction recovery for its members.
With around 200 members, STAMP has six core growers who visit the allotment on a regular basis, working together to grow their own produce, while also encouraging wildlife such as slow worms to flourish on the site. And the group recently installed a pond to encourage frogs and fish.
Peas and quiet aren’t the only benefits of gardening
Through a mindful and holistic lens, gardening is a therapeutic take on improving and strengthening a person’s mental, emotional and physical health. Having green fingers reduces stress and provides a positive focus for individuals.
Celebrating his third year of sobriety Mike, who signed up to the allotment plot in May, has been busy sowing and growing an abundance of fruit and vegetables, including potatoes, kale, chillies, swede, carrots, tomatoes, berries and more. With previous experience in growing, Mike has been able to support other members of the group in learning about managing an allotment, while enjoying the fruits of their labour.
Not only does gardening keep you active, but ‘growing your own’ also has benefits for your shopping bill. The group distribute any produce amongst themselves, and the many tomatoes grown never goes to waste. Some members also bring their children along to the allotment, encouraging them to get involved with growing so they can learn to grow at home, nurturing an interest in where food comes from while also helping to keep them strong and healthy.
The allotment gives people a sense of purpose and positive control, with one member commenting:
“Being here at the allotment has given me confidence to do a new activity. It has made me feel like I can be good at something.”
Building a network for new mothers
Getting together regularly, the group welcomes single mothers, including a young woman who gave birth during the COVID-19 lockdown. At the allotment, the mothers bond through their shared experiences and their desire to try something new. Now that they can get out and about again, the group – who come from different walks of life – can safely enjoy the great outdoors to overcome drug and alcohol addiction with a spot of gardening.
The mothers who benefit from this programme enjoy the structure and support network so much that they’ve been inspired to set up a peer to peer mother and baby group to support and connect with the wider community
A rock salad foundation for community
We’re pleased to see the positive influence that gardening is having on the people in Mansbridge, which is also home to our Round About Café; a safe space that offers opportunities and services which meet the diverse needs of our community.
Together with STAMP we’re working towards finding additional growing space for them to plant and grow a serenity garden with the community. We really want to give everyone in the community a chance to start their green adventure.
Find out more about STAMP, and how to access their services, here.
