growing

Planting on Prescription

Ask any gardener why they garden and they will say because it makes them feel good. Gardening can help you to regain control of your life, improve your mood and help you on the path to better wellbeing and physical health.

Planting on Prescription (POP) is a project that will see professionally trained horticulturists at Debdale Eco Centre in Gorton and Hulme Community Garden Centre working with the NHS, local GP surgeries and other agencies to deliver ‘social prescriptions’ as part of an holistic approach to improving wellbeing.

By becoming part of the project you can harness the benefits of gardening, learn new skills and have an opportunity to meet new people. Your Doctor, community health team or case worker can refer you onto the project . Self referral is also possible.

These services are free, being funded by the Big Lottery Fund Local Food programme and the Tudor Trust. The project benefits people of all ages, anyone who suffers from low mood or feels anxious, isolated or depressed, those who have experienced trauma or bereavement and people with learning difficulties.

POP provides a one month prescription in a therapeutic horticultural setting. Participants will benefit from informal learning in a relaxed non-clinical environment. This helps with increased confidence, develops new areas of interest, and gives a better understanding of healthy eating and healthier lifestyles.

Participants have access to fresh, organic produce and signposting to additional services including The Growing Club, a longer term project, where participants can learn about linking food and mood, organic growing and composting.

The Growing Club

As a progression route from Planting on Prescription, this course will provide weekly therapeutic horticulture session for people with wellbeing problems. The Growing Club will look at the principles of organic growing, healthy soil, composting and everything in between from sowing to cooking and eating fruit and vegetables. The club will focus on building confidence and knowledge, linking food and mood, and encouraging individuals to have a go at growing their own food.

Further suggested reading, information will open in a new page.

Lord Layard's Depression Report

Thrive  using gardening to change lives

MIND the green approach to mental health

Click below to download a referral form.