The 2020 COVID 19 pandemic has meant that sadly our usual way of ‘doing things’ has had to change and thus our usual ‘face to face’ groups and activities have ceased through the majority of 2020, due partly to the insufficient space we have to hold group sessions – the cornerstone of our service provision. The lack of face to face and group contact for our service users and peers has undoubtedly had a negative effect on them – 000s of local people. This project aims to fill that void by transforming a currently highly underutilised garden that is located at the back of our offices, into a large useable space, in which our service users can get great benefit and use from. The project will be run by our staff team at Havering Mind, and we will utilise our large client/volunteer base through each step of the project, involving design, building and maintenance of all aspects.

What we'll deliver:

• A flat surfaced decked and covered area, which can accommodate a group of up to 20 people
• A peaceful and tranquil environment in which our clients can enjoy and come to for solace and a safe space
• A disabled accessible walkway through the garden, featuring new planting and decorational features
• 3 seating areas in which small meetings/one on one sessions can take place
• A new setting to encourage and attract wildlife including birds
• An area for our clients to use as an ‘allotment’ to grow fruit and vegetables and engage in ecotherapy.
• Improved perimeter fencing to aid in privacy and increase security
• Improved storage facilities of garden equipment and tools aiding our garden group service users

Why it's a great idea:

This project will be a great creative activity for our client base to be a part of through volunteering and taking ownership of a eco project, thus increasing self esteem and confidence. It will lead to a reduction in isolation in our community as individuals have a safe space to go to and engage with others, and will create a long lasting environment for new peer groups to form and flourish in the future.

Steps to get it done:

• Develop a design and plans for the garden
• Decide on a schedule and timeframe of project
• Engage with our service users and volunteers on design and delivery of project
• Engage with local businesses and community groups on getting involved
• Encourage local residents to support the project online and through social media
• Engage with professional gardeners regarding design and support
• Start documentation (photography and filming) of project
• Garden clearing and levelling work in spring
• Reach our crowd fundraising target by July 2021
• Building and erection of new fencing, seating areas and other structures
• Creating and planting of the new foliage
• Garden project complete September 2021 - Opening event!

We will also engage with local businesses and community groups to get their buy in to the project, and obtain the pro bono benefits of professional services. The timeframe is for us to commence with the clearing and levelling process of the existing space in the Springtime, with the project itself being completed and the garden ready to use in early Summer 2021.