The Sage Network Community Gardens

The environment

The Dover Community Garden was set up in a piece of unused, waste ground within a shopping centre. Since we have developed the community garden and planted pollinating plants ,edible crops , added a water feature the garden has attracted a range of birds and insects and the garden has been brought to life. The garden is managed organically and the group members have supported and understood this approach and used within their own garden spaces and encouraged others to do the same. These changes start with small moments but grow into a much larger change n thinking and actions. We buy local seeds and plants whenever

The local economy

The dover community garden is a weekly group which is open and free to all that wish to attend , it provides a safe space where we promote positive friendships, share experiences of gardening, learn to grow produce and share what we grow with members, the group is inclusive to all ages . We are two occupational therapists who run the group , we have many years of experience working in acute and community health and social care settings and understanding the importance of being outdoors in nature and the benefits it brings, we have a good knowledge of how adapting tasks can provide a role for all within the garden space. The garden has provided a space that all members are proud of and this has enabled the group to strengthen and grow . We provide refreshments to the group and have an indoor dry space on wet days so that the group can continue to run. Members feedback - One of our members previously had little knowledge of gardening , he is a gentleman who is widowed and had little purpose in his life for local activities, he has been a member from the beginning and enjoys every week attending , in the summer he volunteered to water the garden in between group days to keep things thriving and it gave him purpose in his life , and improved his well being. Another lady member who previously struggled with her week states that the Monday group is now the start of her week and this has really helped with her mental health and well being. New members that have joined have made friendships within the group and a couple of our members have joined us in creating our second community garden in Lympne.

Volunteering, jobs & education

Within the group we have some group members that wanted to work on their confidence and are currently out of work due to health issues , the garden space enables people to manage aspects of tasks as they are able but also feel involved. We have recently been approached by Canterbury College supporting learning co-ordinator to work in partnership with them to provide some work experience for young adults who have struggled within education to support with. building of work values and skills to enable long term employment. Within our Lympne garden we have had some students who are currently completing their Duke of Edinburgh Award and they have offered volunteering hours which have also helped with development of new skills.

Activity, health and leisure

The community garden has enabled our members to share their skills and build new skills, each week in the garden we have jobs to be completed and members work with different people depending on their abilities and at a pace that they can manage. This has proven to be very effective and people in the garden have reported that their general health and well being has improved from being in the garden , working at a pace that is suitable for their needs, learning different gardening tips that they then take away and share with family or friends. Gardening has is multi beneficial to all, the small space we have developed as a group is now a place of beauty where people can come and sit and enjoy. The garden provides mental stimulation with planning of tasks , it gives routine and structure to peoples lives which they take forwards to other aspects of their week. It provides a level of physical activity and general fitness has improved with many of our members , socially it has brought laughter , comfort and a sense of friendship, this has helped with social isolation for some of our members.