Page 6 - Manchester Mind Annual Report 2021-2022

“The allotment project’s focus is all about small things”
Annual Review 2020-21
Allotment Project
For the people that come to the allotment for mental health support – small acts of kindness, small contributions to the space, and gentle support rather than a major intervention brings about great change.
People often arrive anxious, feeling low and isolated, so our starting point is with grounding and encouraging people to notice and focus on the small things - the feeling of the fuzzy plants in our sensory garden, the smell of our lemon balm, the bees, butterflies and the buds appearing on our flowers – this is an effective way to relax the mind and body, to connect with the space and encourage interest. Then we share the purpose of our space – to grow food and sustain our food projects - and we thank people for coming because everything they
do whilst with us, will positively impact the result –the growing of food which contributes to the 23,797 meals and recipe bags produced during the year.
People leave us feeling better. They tell us that they have a greater sense of purpose, improved wellbeing and often go on to try our other activities, or become volunteers because they have not only passively enjoyed our garden, but they have actively contributed to our charity’s work.
Everyone who attends the allotment has a small stake in the garden’s outcome and that is an integral part of the difference we make.
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