Dig for mental health

Gardening is being used as a tool to promote mental and emotional wellbeing through a new pilot project funded by the Public Health Agency (PHA).

The project ‘Wellbeing with nature’ will run over two years and involve around 200 people from across Belfast.

Participants will take part in an eight week course which uses gardening as a form of therapy for people with mental health issues including anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Séamus Mullen, Head of Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement in Belfast with the PHA, said: “Gardening can be a very effective tool in reducing stress and improving health and wellbeing. Through gardening, people can build new friendships and improve their self-esteem, which can lead to better mental health.”

The course will be delivered by a qualified Horticultural Therapist and a Horticultural Assistant, and will be run by Blossoms at Larne Lough at their purpose-built therapy gardens.

Those who take part in the weekly sessions will learn the importance of planning and looking to the future when gardening. Participants will also learn about using gardening to de-stress, growing crops and healthier eating.

Horticultural Therapist Liz Hanvey said: “We are all very excited about this two year pilot project, which is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland. It is such a fantastic opportunity to offer nature-based therapy to Belfast residents, and also to see the real impact working with horticulture and gardening can have on mental and emotional wellbeing.”

Participants on the courses are referred by mental health services.