We’ve joined with Co Down charity Mind Your Mate and Yourself (MYMY) for its Let’s Grow Together initiative, a project aimed at improving mental health and wellbeing through gardening.
The scheme delivered by MYMY based in Newcastle and supported by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council will see 35 people from across the borough benefit focussing particularly on those who are living in isolation.
In addition to compost from New Leaf Compost, participants will receive all the necessary equipment to kick-start their gardening journey to better mental health including a newly built raised bed, seeds and tools.
We’re advocates of the positive impact of horticultural therapy, and it’s particularly pleasing to support a project that makes it easier for people to get out into nature, embrace the outdoors and feel all the benefits of growing and nurturing flowers and vegetables from seed.
The compost to be used has been made from discarded food and garden waste gathered within the local community, providing the perfect example of the circular economy in action.
Co-founder Ray Cunningham said:
“The various lockdowns brought about because of COVID-19 have placed a significant strain on many people’s mental health, particularly those who were already feeling isolated or alone.
“Through this project, we want to start a wider conversation surrounding the correlation between gardening and positive mental health and wellbeing, and we can’t wait to hear the difference it makes in the coming weeks and months.”
Playing an active role in the community and supporting local projects like the ‘Let’s Grow Together’ is a fundamental part of New Leaf Compost and something we take much pride in!
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