Crossways Community Gardening Project is our exciting new venture!
There’s growing evidence that gardening can benefit mental health, an important consideration at a time when the NHS is stretched and one in four adults are experiencing mental illness. We want people with poor mental health living in our community to fulfil their potential, and we see this as an opportunity to help them re-build their lives and be trained to take up paid or unpaid meaningful work.
Who is it for?
We are running this gardening project as a service to adults in our community who are suffering from poor mental health and so are interested in hearing from anyone who feels they may benefit from it. We are also interested in hearing from mental health professionals who may have clients for whom gardening would be beneficial.
What is it?
This is a hands-on project, gardening and growing primarily fruit and vegetables, and one we believe will be hugely rewarding and beneficial to mental wellbeing. Our clients will be involved in planning an allotment-style garden, preparing the soil, planting and tending to its seasonal needs, with help and guidance from our gardening project manager Keith Terry.
How does it work?
We have a straight-forward set of criteria for prospective clients as we want to make sure the service is used by those for whom it will be most beneficial. We offer a trial session, and after that, we will enter into an agreement for attendance in blocks of 8 sessions. At the end of each block, we are happy to consider extending to more sessions, subject to availability. Contact us for more information about this.
How much does it cost?
During the pilot stage, there is no charge to our clients but we always welcome donations to help fund plants and equipment. If you would like to make a donation follow this link to our donations page – thank you for your support!
Can I volunteer to help?
Absolutely! If you live in the Tunbridge Wells area, enjoy gardening and are a patient and sympathetic individual, we’d love to hear from you. We give appropriate training to all our staff and volunteers – why not get in touch to enquire about becoming part of our growing organisation.
Where and when is it?
Our allotment garden is at the Southwood Road Allotments site in Rusthall, and attending is by appointment. We offer either morning or afternoon sessions, so why not get in touch with us and let us know your preferred times.
Who is running Flourish?
Flourish is a community project funded by Crossways Community and is run by one of our staff members, Keith Terry.
How do I get in touch?
You can email keith.terry@crosswayscommunity.org.uk if you have any questions or are interested in attending. All our other contact details can be found here