With a long standing history of serving this minority within a minority, it is well known that older Arabic speaking men and women are exceedingly isolated and marginalised. This is for a number of factors from their home life to the language barriers to the discrimination they encounter on a day to day basis. We have always encouraged integration with other cultures and wish to extend this in the community at large by introducing an eco-therapeutic project that will maximise use of our unique Moroccan garden, standing opposite our main building since June 2007. In doing this, we are inviting these individuals who once led full and happy lives out of their isolation with the aim of giving them the target of learning new skills, meeting new people, improving mobility as well as nurturing an area to be enjoyed not only by themselves but by the local community. While doing this, they will also be reducing their stress levels, making new friends, boosting their confidence.

What we'll deliver:

• Fit a seating area for the elderly and frail to enjoy
• Get the garden in working order to be used by all of the local community
• Replant flower beds and create a new patch for fruit and veg

Why it's a great idea:

Who doesn't love a bit of fresh air and sunshine when the weather is warmer? And what better way to be motivated in to it than to be out using you hands and learning a new skill? Eco-therapy has been reported to have a massive impact on reducing isolation, depression, anger and improving mental health and well-being by surrounding the individuals with nature, taking away the thoughts and feelings that stress them out and creating a space where they can be at one with themselves and escape the usual surroundings that cause them to feel down. All of these factors are achievable with the correct attitude, funding and a little elbow grease. The service users and members of the local community's physical well-being will also improve as they will have the chance to take part in the programmes that would usually take place indoors as the weather becomes warmer and the space that they have created is ready to use.

Steps to get it done:

• Planting the garden in while it is still warm.

The boost in confidence and reduction in isolation of the individuals involved is in itself a very important factor in a project like this, and to be able to include members of the local community who would otherwise not associate with is a huge step for these women to take and will do their personalities the world of good.