Allotment project enables older people to socialise while gardening

Horticulture enthusiasts at Bield’s Day Support Service in East Dumbartonshire, have been ‘growing for gold’ after receiving allotment spaces from Hillhead Housing Association.

Whitehill Court’s ‘green-fingered’ residents have developed 11 raised flower beds, a community orchard and a polytunnel to grow vegetables, fruit and delicate flowers as part of a new Growing Spaces Project.

Resource manager at Whitehill Court, Maureen Hopkins, commented: “We were very grateful to have the opportunity to access the growing spaces as it has enabled us to provide this great project for our residents, as well as others in the local community.

“Gardening has many benefits; as well as being a very therapeutic activity, the project also provides social stimulation for our residents.

“They have thoroughly enjoyed the growing spaces which are a definite talking point at Whitehill Court. The plot has wheelchair accessible flower beds, a greenhouse and gardening huts, so it is the perfect place for our residents to interact with the local community to get out and have fun.”

The Growing Spaces project received a vital donation from the Big Lottery Fund and essential gardening tools and seeds were provided for the residents free of charge.

Allotment gardening spaces were open to the local community, as well as those at Whitehill Court and brought particular benefits to vulnerable people including; older people living with Dementia, young school leavers and those recovering from mental health or substance abuse issues.

With wheelchair friendly flower beds, a greenhouse and gardening huts, the allotment plot offered all individuals an inclusive gardening experience.

Commenting on the success, Ms Hopkins added: “The project was a great addition to the local community. At Bield, we are constantly looking for ways that we can ensure residents are living life to the full and to live out our ‘Free to Be’ philosophy and so it is really great to see so many mixing and socialising whilst tending to the garden.”

Bield are a registered charity and a provider of housing, care and community services for older people in need within Scotland.