Improving community health by getting back to nature
Regular gardening sessions with the aim of having a positive impact on local people’s physical and mental health.
Cardiff, Wales
This project received funding from the Greener Communities Fund, a partnership between NHS Charities Together, Starbucks, and environmental charity Hubbub.
Cardiff and Vale Health Charity is working with Grow Cardiff to help people feeling lonely and isolated by getting them involved in community gardening.
During the gardening sessions, patient volunteers get involved in a range of ‘hands-on’ experiences. Activities like weeding and growing vegetables have a positive impact on their mental and physical health.
These activities are beneficial for the environment too by providing wildlife with a safe haven.
One of the project participants said:
"I have some health issues which limit my ability to work and led to me giving up my self-employment. Things changed, and I found myself with more time on my hands. My situation impacted my confidence and put a strain on some friendships, so loneliness has been an issue for me.
"When I started going to the garden project, I was quite anxious, not knowing what to expect, but I was always greeted so warmly by the staff and volunteers. Firstly, we would have a cup of tea and a sit down while we discussed what jobs needed to be done.
"There was never any pressure to do anything at all, it was ok to just be there, for as long or as little time as I felt comfortable with. Just being part of the group, however the time was spent, it was helping my mental health and I didn’t feel so isolated.
"Gardening, being hands-on with plants and nature, slowing down and observing more closely has had such a calming effect on me. I’ve also learnt a lot and I’ve been able to transfer some of that knowledge to my own garden."
