Pilot Session - More than just gardening

A session with remarkable impact

The pilot brought together two participants, aged 81 and 86, each navigating significant life changes. One had recently experienced bereavement, while the other was adjusting to her husband moving into residential care due to dementia. The task was gentle and purposeful and involved potting on strawberry plants that would later be donated to local schools.

Looking ahead

Following the success of this pilot we aim to deliver regular horticultural sessions, providing refreshments and a welcoming environment. We hope to collaborate with local partners to support social prescribing and lastly, will continue growing plants for schools and community use. We hope to make a meaningful difference - one plant and one person, at a time.

More than just gardening

What began as a simple activity quickly grew into something extrodinary - together they potted over 2,000 Strawberry plants - far exceeding the initial expectation of 100.

Whilst the number of plants was impressive, the real impact was deeper:

• Improved mood and wellbeing
• Stronger social connection
• Gentle and accessible physical activity
• A renewed sense of purpose

The participants shared:

“The experience made us feel good both mentally and physically and we loved it. It was wonderful to have a real purpose and so good to have achieved our target”