Cultivating Wellbeing – How our RSAP Gardening Fund Supports Wellbeing
- jasonkayley
- May 16
- 2 min read
This week is Mental Health Awareness week (May 12-18) – and as part of this we wanted to explore how we promote gardening as a tool to support wellbeing within the Greater Manchester Rough Sleeper Accommodation Programme (RSAP).
As part of our support for people on RSAP, we’ve been able to provide vouchers for purchasing plants and gardening tools for their new homes. There’s plenty of evidence showing that gardening and plants can positively impact both physical and mental wellbeing. The fund has been well used so far, with people buying houseplants, seeds for growing vegetables, and flowers and plants for the garden.
The benefits of being around plants and gardening is well-documented. Time spent in nature can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. For people supported by RSAP, many of whom have faced significant trauma, this is particularly important. Creating a space for plants in the house or garden offers an escape from daily challenges and promotes mindfulness, helping individuals feel grounded.
Gardening can also offer a form of gentle exercise, encouraging movement through digging, weeding, and planting, as well as spending time outside in nature. By promoting movement and fresh air, access to plants and gardening can support and create positive changes for people supported by RSAP.
Gardening and communities
By making gardening more accessible at home and introducing it as a new skill and hobby, we can help to open the door to community gardening projects for those who wish to further pursue their interest.
Often used by social prescribers as a tool to improve health and wellbeing, community gardening groups can foster social connections and reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. By supporting people on RSAP to attend nature-based activities, we can promote feelings of belonging and support within their community.
There are many interesting and useful resources about the impact of gardening and green spaces on wellbeing. If you’re interested in reading more, we have listed some below – please click the links:
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