Dorset mental health charity expands support through gardening into Weymouth
New allotment plot is set to launch
Last updated 13th Jun 2022
A new Allotment plot is set to launch in Weymouth, as Dorset Mind announce they are expanding their ecotherapy service called ‘Eco in Mind.'
The scheme began life in Dorchester by offering its residents practical support whilst offering a service and a safe space for those struggling with their mental health.
It's been proven to work as well – when asked, 100% of participants report an increase in their mood from the start to the end of the sessions, and 80% of participants (attending since Jan 22) claim they have seen an improvement in their mental wellbeing.
After huge success in Dorchester, the new service offers the people of Weymouth a chance to build their confidence, self-esteem and resilience whilst connecting them with their surroundings and their communities.
Dorset Mind say working on the allotments as a volunteer or participant will help them discover the benefits of being outside and working with nature.
As well as growing bedding and other herbaceous plants, the project also grows and harvests numerous types of fruits and vegetables which are then donated to local food banks for families in the area who may need them most.
Over the last year, food from the allotments helped support over 200 families in Dorchester and the charity hopes to repeat this in Weymouth.
Dorset Mind CEO Linda O’Sullivan said:
"Ecotherapy is somewhat of an unsung hero when it comes to more holistic and ‘hands on’ form of therapy for mental health. Ecotherapy is known to improve physical and mental health whilst also positively impacting mood - and reducing stress and anger. You could also say it’s a form of mindfulness.
Additionally, Eco in Mind provides its service users with a live project, which is constantly changing and growing, meaning that our participants are actively caring and nurturing something; all whilst learning how to actively do the same for their own mental health and wellbeing.’"
Eco in Mind, Project Coordinator, Dan Bradshaw adds:
‘The new Weymouth site is great. The best part about it is that we are at the beginning, which means that our volunteers and participants can see the transformation from what started as an overgrown field to what will be a beautiful space over the coming months and years thanks to their arduous work and commitment.
"There are other plots like ours, an orchard, some woodland, and forest school and there will be some classrooms and kitchen for making a product to sell to pay for the running of the site, so it is all exciting.’
Dr Andy Mayers, Principal Academic at Bournemouth university and Dorset Mind Patron said:
“I am so delighted to see this expansion of our eco therapy projects at Dorset Mind. There are so many positives in using nature to improve wellbeing, including being more mindful of our environment.
This is something close to my own heart, having recently transformed our own garden into a haven for wildlife and growing our own produce. The result is very uplifting for my own wellbeing.”
The ‘Eco in Mind’ team offers weekly sessions in Dorchester on Monday and Thursday mornings from 10:30am, and afternoons from 12pm; and Wednesday mornings from 9am and 2pm in Weymouth.
If you are interested in participating, or would like to know more about ‘Eco in Mind’, email ecoinmind@dorsetmind.uk
Dorset Mind delivers mental health education, training, and 1-2-1 and group support for adults and young people across Dorset.