Supporting mental health recovery through gardening

To mark National Allotment week, the Birchwood supported accommodation service in Oldham, run by the social enterprise Turning Point, are looking back at the progress their own garden has made over the years and its positive effects on the people they support.

Selina Bibi, gardening lead at Birchwood, said: “Throughout the years at Birchwood, we have worked towards building and nurturing our very own fruit and vegetable garden.

"But this year, especially given the extra time on our hands due to lockdown, we have begun to really focus on growing our beautiful garden and giving it the best opportunity to flourish.”

“We already had a variety of berries and vegetables that we had been growing here at Birchwood.

"We’ve grown strawberries, tayberries, and wild garlic.

"Our strawberries have been growing especially well and have taken over a good portion of our garden.

“Earlier this year, staff and residents came together and planted a great variety of new seeds in the garden beds.

"These included peas, radishes, lettuce, sweetcorn, beans and many more.

"We hope that the garden will encourage our residents to see the beauty and joy that comes with growing their own food.

"This also encourages the inclusion of more healthy fruit and vegetables in their diets.”

“We are currently holding weekly gardening group sessions with the support of myself and resident chef Paul, where residents are encouraged to come to the garden, work towards its maintenance and learn more about gardening in general.

"In the gardening group, everyone helps to water the garden and to remove any weeds around the growing plants.

“Not only has this provided good and practical physical exercise for residents, it has been a great opportunity for staff and residents to work together towards something beautiful and sustaining.

"It also gives everyone a sense of achievement when they see what a beautiful garden they have played a part in growing.”

“For the future of our garden here at Birchwood, we plan to continue the weekly gardening group, maintaining the growth of the fruit and vegetables we have planted.

"We also plan to clear out further areas of the garden so that we have even more room to grow a greater variety of produce.”

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