Introducing START

START’ is a Salford-based charity that has been delivering mental health recovery and prevention services for over 30 years.

This year they have come on board as a Nature for Health partner and will be delivering a series of green social prescribing activities from their beautiful community garden at Brunswick House.

The charity has been delivering an Arts and Nature on Prescription service since 1993, supporting people experiencing poor mental health to try a range of art forms to build confidence and connect with nature.

Sessions are tailored to the season and cover all basic gardening skills from planting seeds, taking cuttings, container gardening and general garden maintenance.

Participants enjoy the garden in all weathers thanks to a fantastic, heated terrace space which keeps people sheltered in bad weather.

Yonis took part in these sessions and commented,

I was feeling lonely and stressed so my GP referred me here (to START). When I came, they helped me a lot here mentally. I’m happy here in the garden. I like talking to other people in the garden. These things help me, mentally and physically.

CEO Michelle Dennett is excited for the opportunity to work with the partnership and expand their green social prescribing offer, commenting,

We’re thrilled to be on board and able to connect more people with nature. We’ve got an exciting piece of partnership work taking place with Salford Loaves and Fishes thanks to this funding, which helps people at risk of homelessness improve their wellbeing through taking part in our sessions, and practice their English-speaking skills at the same time.

Check back soon for more information on how this project progresses.