The Braintree Community Garden, located on the Recreational Ground on John Ray Street, has opened as a therapeutic space dedicated to supporting individuals facing mental health challenges through gardening and community interaction.
Councillor Lynette Bowers-Flint, the cabinet member for housing, health, and wellbeing at Braintree District Council, expressed her satisfaction with the new garden. “We are very happy to have created this space and to see it complete,” she said. “This community garden is a collaborative effort between our council and local stakeholders, with the view to improve the mental and physical health and wellbeing of people in our community.”
The garden is a result of a partnership between the Braintree District Council, the Wilderness Foundation UK, and Braintree Recreation CIO. “We are very pleased to be partnering with the Wilderness Foundation UK and Braintree Recreation CIO to work on this initiative,” Bowers-Flint added. “Together we aim to create a nurturing environment where individuals can find support and solace.”
Financial backing for the garden came from the Essex County Council’s Changing Futures Programme, which contributed £25,000, and an additional £18,000 from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. These funds were allocated to Braintree Recreation CIO for garden construction, Cressing Temple Community Shed for building benches and raised beds, and the Wilderness Foundation UK for organizing community sessions and purchasing tools.
The Wilderness Foundation, known for promoting the positive impacts of green spaces and community activities on mental health and wellbeing, has started weekly gardening sessions. These sessions are designed to support individuals dealing with complex mental health issues and social isolation, offering holistic support and fostering a sense of purpose and belonging.
By engaging in gardening activities, participants can benefit from the therapeutic effects of nature and community involvement. The Braintree Community Garden stands as a beacon of support, aiming to enhance the mental and physical health of its visitors while promoting community cohesion.
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