Organic Gardening for your well being

Drop-in sessions, Wednesdays 10.30am-12.30pm
Debdale Eco Centre, Gorton

What is it?

Planting on Prescription (POPs) is a four-weekly volunteer programme, specifically focussing on the theraputic benefits of gardening.  The sessions are informal and tailored to individual interests.  The sessions aim to improve physical and mental well being by developing basic horticultural skills in a relaxed environment. 

Who is it aimed at?

The POPS programme is aimed at individuals with mild mental or physical health conditions.  It should not be seen as a replacement for professional health support, our trainers are not qualified counsellors or medical workers, but they do have some experience of horticulture and working with vulnerable adults.  The programme itself offers a holistic approach to well being through therapeutic gardening in a non-clinical environment.

It is specifically aimed at:

• Individuals with Mental Health conditions (such as mild depression, feelings of isolation or anxiety, bereavement)
• Individuals with learning difficulties (such as Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Down’s syndrome)
• Individuals with a cognitive impairment (such as Autistic spectrum disorder or result from head injury)
• Individuals with mobility difficulties (such as wheelchair user, muscular or manual dexterity, obesity)
• Individuals with a long standing health condition (such as cancer, diabetes, chronic heart condition, epilepsy)
• Ex-offenders of minor or petty crimes
• Unemployed
• Single parents or individuals going through separation or divorce
• Older people
• Refugees or asylum seekers

The Referral Process

Volunteers will need to go through the referral process before attending.  We will take referrals from:

• NHS workers or the health authority
• Mental health teams or social workers from the Local authority
• Voluntary sector organisations

We also take a small number of self-referrals.

Location and costs

Thanks to funding from the Big Lottery’s Local Food project, this well being project is currently being delivered free of charge. 

Sessions can be delivered onsite at Debdale Eco Centre, or Hulme Community Garden Centre.  However, if you have your own growing area that you would like to develop, a minimum of five individuals who are interested, and are based in Manchester, please get in touch.  We may be able to deliver sessions off site.

We are based at Debdale Eco Centre, Debdale Park, 1075 Hyde Road, Gorton, Manchester, M18 7LJ.  We also deliver POPS sessions at Hulme Community Garden Centre (please contact them on the details below to find out more).

Progression route

Once completed, individuals have the option of continuing their horticultural experiences through an ongoing, weekly ‘growing club’, which is usually based onsite at Debdale Eco Centre, but can be arranged for a fixed period of time off site if sufficient resources and demand is available.

Sign me up!

If you or your organisation is interested, please get in touch with:

Gillian McMahon on 0161 220 9199 or email Gillian@debdale-ecocentre.org.uk  

Debdale Eco Centre, Debdale Park, 1075 Hyde Road, Gorton, Manchester, M18 7LJ

OR

Julie Kerr on 0161 227 8198 or email projects@hulmegardencentre.org.uk

28 Old Birley Street, Hulme, Manchester M15 5RG