A therapeutic green space for people who have experienced homelessness
Our allotment project has been running for over 10 years now. People who are vulnerable or experiencing homelessness can participate in gardening sessions and outdoor activities. This project aims to improve mental and physical health, reduce alcohol and substance use, social isolation and offending behaviour.
Every Thursday morning, our Green Activities Workers visit our allotment in St Ann’s with a group of beneficiaries. Activities include clearing and preparing the site, planting, growing, weeding and harvesting. During their time at the allotment, beneficiaries are given the chance to learn new skills and develop their interests in outdoor activities.
The weekly sessions aim to prevent our beneficiaries from returning to homelessness. Ours is a green oasis in inner city Nottingham. It offers a relaxed setting to learn about nature, growing produce, cooking and healthy eating. Our two Green Activities Workers lead sessions and encourage beneficiaries to engage with services and practice mindful activities. They grow flowers and food that can be eaten. After the gardening, beneficiaries enjoy a healthy lunch cooked on site.
The project addresses four main areas:
- Physical health
- Mental health – by building a sense of responsibility, purpose and achievement, which helps to build confidence and integration into the wider community
- Skills and knowledge – helping people reach their full potential by developing gardening and maintenance skills;
- Safe access to nature and the outdoors.
Please contact us if you’d like to make a referral to our allotment: support@emmanuelhouse.org.uk.
