Greenfingers Open Day

Story and photos:Cameron Raphael-Storm

SAGE (Support, Arts, Gardening, Education) Greenfingers held their annual Open Day on September 16th at the Grimesthorpe Allotments.

The project caters for individuals with various mental health issues ranging from depression and anxiety to more severe conditions. There is no upper age limit for taking part, creating an environment where clients attending the project on a short or long-term basis, benefit not only from teaching and guidance from staff and volunteers but also from the experience of their elders.

SAGE is currently running two projects: the work on Grimesthorpe allotments and singing workshops in Burngreave. The Open Day also featured partner groups run by the Primary Health Care project: the Friday knitting group and a writing group named “Write Horizons”.

After greetings, the Open Day started with a moving and informative speech by Diana Tottle (project leader), outlining the project’s aims and what they hoped to achieve in the future.

Then members of the writing group treated members and guests to thoughtful and entertaining readings. This was followed by several well-performed songs from the singing group and then an enjoyable buffet lunch. The quality of the work and confidence of the members was obvious testament to the project's ongoing success in promoting well-being.

Greenfingers is currently funded by grants from the Tudor Trust, Sheffield Town Trust and the NHS and gratefully-received public donations, all of which are vital to the ongoing survival of what is evidently a worthwhile and beneficial project within the Burngreave community.

Haiku for Sage Greenfingers

By a member of Write Horizons