“It’s very important to me to have the gardening group to come to, just that short time working together in the garden.”
As COVID restrictions eased and the service landscape shifted, Ms. R felt increasingly frustrated, bored, and isolated due to a lack of local activities. This was negatively impacting her mental health. Luis (Social Prescribing Link Worker) and Abi (Alive Activities) suggested volunteering at some Alive gardening groups in other parts of the city. While Ms. R enjoyed these groups, she struggled with the transportation to and from. She expressed a desire for a community gardening group closer to home.
From their conversations during the lockdowns, Abi and Luis knew there was a significant need for such a project in Barton Hill. The area is densely populated with limited safe, accessible, and engaging green spaces. Many local residents lack their own gardens, limiting their opportunities to grow plants and connect with nature. Together, Abi and Luis developed a project outline for a gardening group based at the Wellspring Settlement. With successful funding through the Green Social Prescribing Pilot, we contacted Ms. R to share the news and invite her to the launch event. We were delighted by her enthusiasm and the many ideas she contributed.
After just a few weeks of participating in the group, Ms. R shared, “This gardening group is incredibly important to me. Even a short time working together in the garden is beneficial.” She actively encourages her neighbors and friends to join, starts seedlings at home, and connects the group with other community initiatives she’s involved in, such as Connecting through Culture.
Ms. R experienced a difficult period with her mental health in early summer 2022 but found solace in the garden throughout the week. She watered plants on weekends, brought friends to see the progress, and engaged in meaningful conversations with the group staff and participants. The staff at the center recognized the group’s importance to her and suggested she apply for funding for a citizen-led project.
Ms. R lives near a small Health Center in Bristol with garden space. We were already discussing ways to develop this space and involve the local community. Ms. R proposed securing funding for a project to enhance the garden. After an afternoon spent observing butterflies and outlining her priorities at the Health Center, we successfully obtained funding for willow, plants, seating, bird feeders, and project support time.
Prior to the project, we conducted a community consultation chaired by Ms. R. A willow weaving workshop was also held, where Ms. R shared her passion for willow with a large group of community members. She frequently suggests gardening activities, supports new participants, and invites others to join the sessions. Ms. R is passionate about the mental health benefits of engaging with nature, encouraging others to share in these benefits and expressing gratitude for the entire team.