Working with community gardens in our local area, we run weekly sessions for students to get their hands dirty planting, pruning, clearing and maintaining gardens.
Students work both independently and supported as required to plant and maintain the community gardens we support.
Why do Gardening? The difference we make
Being outside in nature is good for our wellbeing and mental health.
Gardening can be a mindful activity, helping students to increase their focus and concentration.
Gardening can also be good as a physical activity, encouraging regular movement. Little and often is the best!
Seeing the progress of the garden throughout the seasons is really satisfying and motivating for all of us. This helps our students practice resilience and motivation even in the rain!
Healthy choices and encouragment to cook your own food also link to our gardening projects – it’s a great way for students to grow their own herbs and vegetables and learn more about where their food comes from.
Working on a gardening project in the local community is also a great way for students to work together as a team and meet new people.
Gardening success story
Tom has been a student at PiP since 2010. Tom engages well with the art sessions and has recently been involved in our gardening project. In 2019, we noticed Tom was not as engaged as he had been previously. We spoke with Tom, and he asked to engage in counseling sessions. His PiP key worker arranged this for him by communicating with external counselors to set up appointments which were help at PiP. Tom and his key worker also looked for external opportunities to help support Tom’s interests and wellbeing.
As Tom was keen on gardening and his artwork, we contacted other organisations to help him explore this more. He joined a local gardening project and worked with a company called Petit Miracles where they upcycle old furniture. Tom now works with Petit Miracles weekly and we have given him a lead role in our new gardening project being responsible for maintenance of our house plants.
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