Growing wellbeing connections in Glasgow

We’re working with NHS North East Glasgow to bring communities together and improve wellbeing

Sharing the power of plants

Throughout 2022, our RHS Community Outreach Team is joining forces with the Green Team from NHS North East Glasgow to connect and inspire community members and organisations that offer healthcare services. We know that plants have the power to make us feel good, and as part of this new project, our team will be sharing that knowledge with local residents in Glasgow.

Offering horticultural activities for all

We are delivering a programme of seasonal horticultural activities to bring together community members who may otherwise be socially isolated and vulnerable. From exploring how to care for houseplants, to creating a planter for a community space, each activity has been designed to help participants get out of their comfort zone and connect with new people around them. Accessible to all, even those who are unable to leave their home, workshops are being delivered not only face–to-face but also digitally.

Using lavender and herbal tea to aid relaxation

70 people attended a workshop in May, including teachers, children, families and employees from health organisations. Coming together at a local community allotment, the group got stuck in with a range of gardening activities to kick-start the growing year, such as how to sow their own herbs and make herbal tea, as well as creating calming lavender sachets to help them sleep.

Embedding gardening into everyday life

The groups taking part will be supported to develop their soft skills and learn more about plants, which is hoped will boost their confidence, and help them to share the wellbeing benefits of plants with their neighbours. Future workshops will promote sharing harvested crops with the community, seed saving and celebrating their growing achievements.

“The children and families enjoyed planting, dividing herbs and the sleep therapy lavender sachets they made to take home. It was a great way to connect with new people.”

Susan Wilson, Project Lead, FARE Lochend Community Allotment

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The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.