Allotment staff explained how the project enables people who are isolated or feeling low to enjoy the benefits of gardening, as well as the chance to make new friends. Despite an arson attack earlier this year, the group have bounced back and are now enjoying the fruit (and vegetables) of their labour.
One allotment user said:
“I couldn’t describe how much it’s done for me. I was stuck in my own house. Coming down here’s just fantastic. You can come down here and find people to talk to who are in a similar position to you. It’s changed my situation.”
Another said:
“I was interested in gardening but absolutely useless. It’s not about being a good gardener – it’s about getting to know people.”
Patsy Seddon, group leader of Write Horizons, explained they use creative writing in a therapeutic way: “Even negative feelings can be turned into something beautiful. Arts and leisure: it all helps you to relax, and relaxing and having fun helps improve mental health.”
Contact: Diana Tottle, Director of SAGE Greenfingers: 274 3651, sagegreenfingers@yahoo.co.uk
Patsy Seddon, Write Horizons: 276 2644 (Pitsmoor Surgery)