Flower power boosts mental health and wellbeing in community

New garden group launches to help Fleetwood community blossom

A church and charity has teamed up with a local football club community trust to launch a gardening group with the goal to boost mental health and wellbeing across the area.

The Salvation Army and Fleetwood Town Football Club’s Community Trust have come together to launch Fleetwood Gardening Club at the church and charity’s Lifehouse (hostel) on Broomfield Road, Fleetwood.

Available for everyone within the community, the weekly drop-in event takes place on Wednesdays from 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm in the gardens of George Williams House with gardening equipment provided.

The initiative came from a joint passion that both the charity and football club community trust have in common of working with members of the local community to boost mental health and improve wellbeing at a time when people are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.

Danielle Jones, service manager at The Salvation Army’s George Williams House said: “We wanted to offer an activity that would provide a positive impact on lives within our community, escaping from the pressures of day-to-day life, as well as encouraging new friendships to form and so this is where the idea of the gardening club stemmed from.

“Some of our Lifehouse residents have often been through very recent trauma and some require support with engaging back into local community life, a feeling of isolation that many people within Fleetwood may face themselves. Being outdoors and engaging in activities within a group promotes a healthy mind and allows support to others in similar situations.

“Fleetwood Gardening Club is for the whole community, and we have already started planting seeds and have created a greenhouse where we are growing runner beans, sweetcorn and tomatoes. We hope that by growing vegetables, and learning about the process, it will encourage the children who attend to eat what they grow as well as making new friends.”

People who go to the club will learn about growing fruits and vegetables, what time of the year is best to plant, and the importance of a pollinator garden, and garden maintenance. Refreshments are included throughout the session and all abilities are welcome to join.

George Williams House is run by The Salvation Army, with the Lifehouse providing a home for families and young people, aged from 16 – 25, who have found themselves at some point experiencing homelessness. The Lifehouse has residents’ wellbeing at heart and is looking at creating a wellbeing space within its garden for all to enjoy.

George Williams House has a Just Giving page available for people wishing to support and donate to the church and charity specifically for its work locally which can be found at www.justgiving.com/page/george-williams-house-the-salvation-army and whilst all donations are welcome people are encouraged to donate only what they can afford.  

Sarah Hall, Be Active Stay Healthy Coordinator for Fleetwood Town Football Club Community Trust said: “It’s been great to team up with the George Williams House team to provide a community gardening group. We’ve seen the community come together to create a flower pollinator area, planted veggie seedlings, tidied up the strawberry bed, and made hanging baskets.

“A special thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund who provide the funding for us to be able to run the groups as part of our ‘Be Active Stay Healthy’ Program at Fleetwood Town FC Community Trust.”

For more information and to register your interest in attending please contact sarah.hall@fleetwoodtownfc.com or contact 07709 037505.