Introduction
As part of the Nature for Health programme, Manchester Mind have been engaging with different VCSE sector organisations to increase the diversity of the people accessing their allotment green social prescribing services.
This includes, Safety4Sisters, a charity which seeks to address the exclusion of migrant women from the most basic rights of safety and protection.
Green social prescribing sessions
In July 2024, a group of 8 women being supported by the charity were invited by Manchester Mind to their allotment in Chorlton for 8 weeks of guided gardening sessions by Manchester Mind practitioner Hannah.
The weekly sessions included the following activities:
- Planting, watering, weeding, and harvesting vegetables
- Making sleeping packs using rice, lavender, and rose petals
- Making chamomile tea using fresh and dried flowers to help with sleep
- Cultivating mint and basil at home
- Picking apples and pears and making fresh juice to enjoy together as a group
- Some creative activities, including using fresh flowers to make portraits
- Taking time to observe and immerse in nature
Feedback from the sessions
The sessions provided a calm, nature-based setting that helped reduce stress and improve the women’s mental health. They also taught practical gardening and self-care techniques, such as planting, making herbal teas, and crafting sleeping packs. Additionally, the sessions created a supportive, community environment where participants could build relationships and work together.
One participant added,
The sessions were very therapeutic to me. Being around plants and interaction with other women has helped a lot with my mental health. I am also grateful for the experience on how to grow certain plants, I am even currently growing a few plants at home. Thank you so much for everything.
