The idea
Minster Surgery Therapy Garden will centre around promoting wellbeing to help improve the quality of life of vulnerable and isolated patients belonging to the surgery and the wider local community. It is a first for the area, with there currently being no other surgeries that offer a space people can access for horticultural therapy.
Therapeutic gardening in a supportive environment, working in conjunction with social prescribers, can be a useful tool in the fight against low mood, anxiety and social isolation. It can also help with mental and physical health and wellbeing.
The garden will allow participants to be able to sow seeds, grow vegetables, tend to plant beds, and even make a cup of tea, have a chat and relax in a nature filled environment.
We are not for profit so funding for the groundworks is essential as we want to make the garden as accessible as possible.
What we'll deliver
- We will build accessible groundworks using permeable pavers and gravel for accessibility
Why it's a great idea
The garden will provide healing, first and foremost to patients that need some extra support whether they are suffering from isolation, overcoming some physical issues as a result of surgery or ill health and an overall place that will positively impact the mental health of all participants involved. We understand how important this project is to our local community. Through therapeutic horticulture participants can:
Reduce depression, anxiety and stress-related symptoms Ease some symptoms of dementia, such as agitation, restlessness and associated distress Increase the ability to concentrate and engage Reduce reliance on medication Reduce self-harming behaviour
The benefits of sustained gardening can also increase physical health through exercise and learning how to use or strengthen muscles to improve mobility.
According to Thrive, ‘A significant body of research confirms that time in gardens and green spaces can support mental health.'
Steps to get it done
- Moving forward with groundworks for accessibility
- Clear area of any obstructions
- Contractors moving forward with groundworks for accessibility
