Ecominds-effects-on-mental-wellbeing-evaluation-report

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78 <strong>Ecominds</strong> <strong>effects</strong> on mental wellbeing7.3 Growing Clearer MindsLead organisation: Mind in Mid HertsLocation: Stevenage and HitchinContact Details: RosieEmail: growingclearerminds@hotmail.comWebsite: www.mindinmidherts.org.uk/page65.htmlThe GrowingClearer Mindsproject is designedto encouragepeople with mentalhealth difficulties toenjoy and benefitfrom nature andgreen spaces bybeing involvedwithin their localcommunity. Thefunding received forGrowing ClearerMinds enabled them to run three 12-week projectswhere participants attend environmental andart workshops and visits, listen to talks fromguest speakers and take part in research anddemonstrations, together with opportunitiesto get involved in environmental projects andlocal societies. The experiences gained throughattending environmental and art projects helps toraise self-esteem and reduce stress, contributingto overall improvements in mental and physicalhealth. During their time on the project thereis much opportunity for learning, with someparticipants learning how to grow fruit andvegetables and care for plants; and for others howto make mosaics and sculptures. Since the startof the Growing Clearer Minds project a total of 69participants have taken part and the project hasproduced a cookbook.One participant told us what they enjoyed most:The overall meeting up of people; Helpful andfriendly staff, teamwork7.4 Growing WellLead organisation: Growing WellLocation: Low Sizergh Farm, Kendal, CumbriaEmail: info@growingwell.co.ukWebsite: www.growingwell.co.ukGrowing Well is an organic growing enterprise whichhas provided support through organic horticulture topeople recovering from mental health issues for thelast 4 years (although the Growing Well has beenrunning since 2004). The aim of Growing Well’s<strong>Ecominds</strong> project is to offer opportunities forpeople recovering from mental health problemsto build their confidence and skills. The projectoperates an organic growing company on10 acres of Dairy Farm at the edge of theLake District. All produce from the farm issold directly to local people througha successful Community SupportAgriculture scheme, as well asto local retailers. The projectaims to provide opportunities forparticipants to be involved in thebusiness at all levels, from seedsowing up to the board of directors. The projectoffers the traditional growing activities alongsidehorticulture courses and educational farm visits. Sincethe start of the project approximately 130 participantshave been involved.I would never have gone to the AGM twelve monthsago. I am seeing changes – I wouldn’t have gone tothe Open Day twelve months ago. – I am really seeinghow ill I was over the last five years. I do feel thingshave changed, Growing Well was fundamental to it.
An evaluation for Mind 797.5 Seed to SucceedLead organisation: CrisisLocation: Spitalfields, Tower Hamlets, LondonContact Details: Paula LonerganTel: 020 7426 3834Website: N/ACrisis (a national charity for single homelesspeople) runs an <strong>Ecominds</strong> funded food growingproject called Seed to Succeed. Seed to Succeedworks in partnership with the Attlee Youth andCommunity Centre and uses food growing as a toolto improve the mental health, physical well-being andknowledge and skills of homeless and vulnerablyhousedpeople. The project has transformedneglected plots of land into thriving green spacesfor growing (and selling) healthy organic produce.Led by the Crisis Skylight Garden Tutor, projectactivities run during four ten-week terms peryear, on Monday afternoons and have to dateinvolved 14 participants. Seed to Succeed utilisesthe help of up to three volunteers in workshopsand aims to document the lifespan of the projectphotographically. The produce is grown for use atthe Crisis Skylight Café, a social enterprise providingfree training and accredited qualifications homelessmembers pursuing catering as a career.7.6 Spring to LifeLead organisation: Sharpham Outdoor Project,The Sharpham TrustLocation: Sharpham Estate, DevonContact Details: Sharpham Outdoors Project ManagerEmail: outdoors@sharphamtrust.orgWebsite: www.sharphamtrust.org/Outdoors-Project/Mental-Health/Spring-to-LifeThe Spring to Life project is a mental healthrecovery project for young people sufferingmental health trauma. The project aims to connectvolunteers and participants whose lives have beenaffected by mental health problems, to help recoverythrough time spent outdoors. The project takes placeon the Sharpham Estate, which consists of 550acres of woodland, rivers, gardens and farmland.The estate offers opportunities for conservationactivities, woodland craft, bush craft and survivalskills, outdoor sports, horticulture, health andwell-being workshops and team-building and trustdevelopment workshops.Programmes last for approximately 10 weeks,with two groups attending on one day each week.Participants are involved in a programme of activitieswhich improves their physical and mental health, andtakes them on a journey of personal discovery withthe natural world. The Spring to Life programmeallows participants to start their personal recovery,at their own pace and in consultation with mentalhealth specialists. Mentors, who themselves havehad experience of mental distress are involved inthe delivery of the programme and are well-placedto support the young people on their journey torecovery. Since the start of the Spring to Life projectapproximately 148 participants and 11 mentors havebeen directly involved.
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