Publish date: 3 August 2023
Local NHS Supports National Allotments Week
To mark National Allotments Week (7-13 August) staff at Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health NHS Partnership Trust is reminding the community of how important the health and wellbeing benefits of growing and eating their own fruit and vegetables can be.
The Talking Therapy service have been encouraging their staff by holding a wellbeing challenge to grow their own vegetables. Gardening is a great physical activity for anyone regardless of their age and ability. It can be satisfying in harvesting fruit and vegetables that you’ve grown from seed and nurtured. From exploring green spaces to exercising outdoors and growing your own produce, many studies have shown that bringing nature into your life can boost your mood, be more active, reduce stress, increase confidence and open opportunities to connect with others.
National Allotments Week is an annual celebration of ‘allotments’ held by the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardening Ltd.
Aileen McArthur, Head of Talking Therapies said “There are many health and wellbeing benefits of having an allotment. Mental illness can be very isolating, so gardening can give people a sense of purpose and structure as well as the physical health benefits."
Embrace nature to boost your mental health and wellbeing with our top tips:
- Take time out from your busy day; notice the environment around you and appreciate your connection with nature.
- Start a gardening or outdoor project where you can relax and enjoy outside space.
- No garden at home? Instead, visit a local park, community farm or walk through the countryside to connect with a friend.
- Exercise outdoors in the shade and stay hydrated.
- Walk or cycle as part of your commute to work.
- Take photographs, video or sound recordings to connect with nature. Your images may even inspire others.
Image below from Charlotte Harris, Trainee CBT Therapist. Charlotte has been getting her daily breakfast berries from her garden over the past month.
Image below from Abi Galley, Talking Therapies Communications Associate.
