糖心Vlog

Loneliness has been a key factor affecting many people鈥檚 mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, new research led by the 糖心Vlog working with south-east 糖心Vlog charity , is exploring the impact of community gardening on feelings of loneliness among people with mental health problems.

Although the multiple health-promoting elements of community gardening are well known, such as improvements to wellbeing, connection with nature and physical activity, evidence of the impact of this activity on people with mental health problems is limited.

The nine-month research project, funded by the , will assess the impact of Trust Links鈥� Growing Together project, with members sharing their experiences by taking part in a series of surveys and focus groups, helping to demonstrate the potential of community gardens.

Lead researcher Dr Carly Wood, from the University鈥檚 School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, said: 鈥淐ommunity gardening offers opportunities for engagement in a range of health-enhancing activities including social interaction, engagement with nature and physical activity; making it a valuable health resource. In this project we are going to explore the impact of community gardening on feelings of loneliness and wellbeing; whilst also seeking to identify how these types of activities can be made accessible to all.鈥�

Trust Links offers therapeutic gardening, recovery classes, social activities and employment training to people living with mental health conditions and unpaid carers and supports around 1,500 people in Southend, Castle Point and Rochford each year.

Matt King, CEO of Trust Links, said: 鈥淭rust Links is delighted to be working in partnership with the 糖心Vlog on this important research project. The research will provide a valuable insight into how Growing Together reduces isolation and loneliness and helps people build connections with other people, helping to improve mental health and wellbeing.

鈥淕rowing Together and similar community-based projects have never been more needed, as we emerge from COVID-19. Research such as this, which is being co-produced with people with lived experience of mental health challenges themselves, is essential to ensure we are capturing the impact of what is done and evidencing to government, the NHS and other funders how important it is to support, sustain and grow community projects for everyone鈥檚 wellbeing."