Green Health Community Garden

Background

The Community Garden was initiated in 2001 in partnership with Sure Start and local schools to develop a project to promote healthy eating, food safety, food hygiene, organic growing and exercise. 

The original site included 6 allotment plots covering 1,500 square metres and the first year saw 3,500 group visits. Overtime schools began to develop their own school garden with the support of the service which unfortunately meant the community garden was again underutilised until 2010 when the Green Health project was established.

The project now

The Council, in partnership with Rethink mental health charity, set up a green health project in Daventry for people with poor mental health. The project benefits individuals by improving their health, wellbeing and self-esteem, while also improving the local environment through green activities.

The project is now in its 24th year and thriving.

We’re looking to increase our membership and activities to ensure the project continues to thrive for years to come.

Benefits of getting involved

We welcome anyone who wishes to come along to help improve their health, self-confidence and wellbeing by getting involved in gardening and conservation projects.

Designed for those effected by mental health problems, the Green Health project offers a valuable learning experience with the bonus of healthy exercise in a tranquil and friendly environment.

What you'll be doing

The tasks vary depending on the weather and season but will include general horticultural activities such as

• raise and look after plants from seeds or cuttings
• dig, plant and weed flower beds and borders
• tidy overgrown shrubs and trees and clear paths
• use equipment safely, such as hand tools
• build items such as benches and planters

All work will be overseen by the Countryside Ranger and they are on hand for advice and guidance.

There is no pressure to complete any activities you are not comfortable or feel able to do.

How to get involved

The group is open to carers and people with mental health illness. Come along to a session and have a chat, get involved or just a look at what goes on. There’s no pressure, you can do as much as you want to get involved in.

• When: Every Tuesday, 1pm until 3pm
• Where: The Daneholme Allotments, Welton Road, Daventry.
• What to bring: wear older clothes and suitable closed toes shoes, make sure you have waterproofs in case it rains, sun cream and hat for protection in warmer weather and a drink. 

We have limited warm drinks (and biscuits) available.

Find out more

For more information or a chat with the group leader, please call 07562 457968 (group) or email [email protected].

Last updated 24 May 2024