Community gardens – information for professionals

Activities in community gardens are good for wellbeing, physical and mental health and can help reduce isolation and increase happiness.

How to help people get involved

Many projects have an open access policy. Other specialist gardens offer more tailored services – such as support for people with additional needs or therapeutic activities for those with learning disabilities or those with experience of homelessness, mental health issues, abuse and addiction issues. Anyone can search our project directory for an activity that suits them.

 

Benefits of gardening

People often tell us gardening and getting outdoors has improved their mental wellbeing and stress levels. Some say it helped them to lose weight or exercise more. Those involved at community gardens often enjoy the chance to meet new people and gain skills, or even try new foods.

If someone you are working with would like to get involved in a lunch club, community garden or other community food project you can find details in our directory.

Gardening has become part of my overall recovery. I feel calmer, less aggressive and it sets me up to have a good rest of the day. I use it to relax and enjoy myself and it’s like breath of fresh air.

Dave, community garden participant

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