Broad Oak Court Gardening
Working with residents of broad oak court to help with their gardenBenefit of gardening
Exposure to green space can have a positive effect on both physical and mental health. Studies have shown that gardening can reduce depression and anxiety and local green space has been linked to improved mental health and wellbeing. For older people, gardening can be a useful source of physical activity, while supporting independence and reducing loneliness. Living in areas with green spaces is associated with less income-related health inequality, weakening the effect of deprivation on health. Urban green spaces can contribute to social cohesion but the quality and maintenance of green spaces is important to make them appealing.
Location
Broad Oak Court
Smedley Lane,
Cheetham,
Salford,
Manchester,
M8 8UL
Project team
Broad oak court
Winning Hearts winning minds
Buzz health and wellbeing
Aim
I was introduced to the broad Oak Court residents by the community development field workers from winning hearts and minds. One of the residents is really interested in gardening and wanted to get more of the residents involved. To do this we gave gardening kits to residents who asked for one to encourage more to get involved and also to help provide entertainment and activity during the COVID-19 lockdown. We are also providing equipment so that they can continue to manage the garden themselves.
Testimonial
"It was brilliant because it encouraged people out"
“It’s brought more interest to the garden”
“When people ask me about how well the garden is doing, I say I’ve got green fingers and friends”
“People have said it looks amazing”
“I really appreciate it”
Evaluation
It was a successful project which will continue following lockdown. It was enjoyed by the residents and we received positive feedback.
Strategic links to local/national policies
Benefit |
Policy |
Increased mental wellbeing |
|
Supports older people |
Taking Charge of our Health and Social Care in Greater Manchester (GMCA, 2015) |
Reduces income-related health inequalities |
Fair Society, Healthy Lives (Institute of Health Equity, 2010) |
Improves local area |
|
Increased social cohesion |
|
Can be used for social prescribing |
Research/evidence base
Public Health England (2020) Improving Access to Greenspace: A new review for 2020
Houlden et al (2018) The relationship between greenspace and the mental wellbeing of adults: A systematic review PLoS One, 13 (9)
The King’s Fund (2016) Gardens and Health: Implications for policy and practice
World Health Organization (2016) Urban Green Spaces and Health: A review of evidence
Schmutz et al, Garden Organic and Sustain (2014) The benefits of gardening and food growing for health and wellbeing
Contact
Charlee Fitzgerald - Neighbourhood Health Worker
Charlee.Fitzgerald@gmmh.nhs.uk
T: 07771 805 278
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