Therapeutic Gardening

Let’s Get Growing runs a well-established therapeutic gardening initiative at Minsteracres to support people of all ages with varying health needs, including those with stress-related illness, depression, dementia, mild learning difficulties, recovering from a stroke or surgery, or living with chronic physical illness. We are committed to a spontaneous, non-institutional approach, which values each individual for their unique contribution. We have developed a successful ‘mixed group’ approach to our therapeutic work (as opposed to segregating people with dementia, for example).

We believe that, in a mixed group, everyone has something different to give and participants do not see themselves as labelled, which can in itself be hugely therapeutic.

“The Minsteracres gardening project has been a lifeline at a time when life didn’t feel worth living. It has given friendship, kindness, support and skills.”

“I am delighted with my daughter’s progress–she is transformed since beginning the sessions at Minsteracres”

We aim to ensure that people relax and have fun, whilst enjoying activities in a supportive group environment. We work all year round and offer a range of nature-based indoor and outdoor activities designed to restore optimum health and promote well-being, whilst providing valuable respite to carers. Minsteracres provides us with a stunning and tranquil location where we have a large area dedicated to growing vegetables, a medicinal and culinary herb area, wildlife pond and surrounding area of parkland and deciduous woodland, perfect for sharing gentle walks. We also have a comfy indoor space for cold, wet weather with cooking and art facilities.

"For me, as wife and carer of a participant, the respite is so important–without it I would find it hard to carry on.”

"I feel extraordinary happiness in this place"

We offer volunteering opportunities and some of our participants have gone on to work as a volunteer with this project, as well as to find volunteer posts or paid employment else where, having felt a long way from this when they first joined us.

A minibus service for our participants collects from central pick-up points or from home if needed.
Please ask for further details.