Sarah Wilson
Best known as the creator and host of the Roots and All gardening podcast, Sarah Wilson is also CEO of Veterans' Growth. The charity works with military veterans who are suffering with mental health issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, aiming to reduce anxiety, depression and isolation by creating longterm social relationships and introducing people to new skills via horticulture.
It was established in 2019 by Sarah's partner at the time, Jason Stevens - an army veteran who, after experiencing a stroke at the age of 35, found no support available. He realised gardening was the only thing that had any positive impact on his mental wellbeing, and founded the charity. It now operates with a team of seven and up to 15 volunteers, at an eight-acre site near Hastings in East Sussex, for which they pay peppercorn rent thanks to a kindly benefactor.
The team has created ornamental and veg-growing areas, as well as fruit cages, meadows, a pond, orchard and mixed woodland. "We try to incorporate a bit of everything, so that people get a taste of different sorts of gardening," says Sarah. They run horticultural therapy sessions, predominantly with military veterans but also members of the general public who are dealing with mental health challenges, tailoring the programme of work to each individual. This relaxed approach also extends to how people find their way to the charity-some through official referrals, and others through self-referring. "We've got very low barriers to entry," explains Sarah, "as we want to make it really easy for people to come along." veteransgrowth.org
Henry Agg
Denne historien er fra October 2024-utgaven av Gardens Illustrated.
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Denne historien er fra October 2024-utgaven av Gardens Illustrated.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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WHY SHOULD I VOLUNTEER?
Giving your free time to volunteer in the community or as a mentor can have a big impact, and also benefit you in ways you can't imagine, says John Wyer
EARTHLY CONCERN
Weeds, slugs, birds and mice - all are welcome on Birch Farm in Devon, where Joshua Sparkes seeks to respect the local ecosystem and mimic nature in his innovative approach to growing
Gardening is good for you
In the first of his new factual column on the benefits of gardening, Dr Richard Claxton uncovers all the evidence-based ways it can help your physical health.
TANGERINE DREAM
On the edge of one of London's busiest roundabouts, Nigel Dunnett has created exciting combinations of drought-tolerant plants for a roof garden that is as unexpected as it is joyful
GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT
Growing your own edible plants is a great way to boost your gut microbiome. Discover expert picks of edimentals that are both beautiful and beneficial
Waste not, nice plot
Designer Miria Harris gave herself the challenge of a no-skip, zero-waste project, giving away, recycling or reusing everything in this back garden before transforming it into a space her client could love
One for all
A new community garden designed by Sarah Price around an old library turned arts centre in southeast London is a treasured space for local residents and garden lovers alike
Meet our horticultural HEROES
Discover the stories of the extraordinary garden champions who are making a difference to places, people, plants and the planet
SHARE AND SHARE ALIKE
In the culinary world, chefs and food writers sometimes closely guard their recipes, says Nigel Slater. Among gardeners, however, there is a refreshing spirit of generosity
Autumn at Sissinghurst
As the garden slips into a new season, head gardener Troy Scott Smith and his team are busy with tasks from hedge cutting and lawn work to bulb planting and sowing seeds.
