The Greenfingers project in Burngreave (Sheffield) provides gardening as therapy for adults with mental health problems living in the area.

One in four of us will experience mental health problems at some stage in our lives and we work with the whole range of mental health problems: People feeling a bit low and isolated or 'suffering with their nerves', people whose caring responsibilities are getting them down, to those recovering from post traumatic stress, survivors of abuse, and those with long-term mental health problems such as bipolar disorder. 

We have a large, wheelchair accessible plot on an allotment site overlooking the Don valley, where we grow organic vegetables, herbs and flowers. Members can come and dig off their frustration, work peacefully in the greenhouse, help cook a soup or stew for everyone’s lunch or sit and have a cuppa and chat and enjoy the view.

We also do related crafts activities such as willow-weaving and well-dressing and go on trips to places like Chatsworth House gardens or garden centres. The barbecues we have on site are generally popular too.

Members benefit from getting out of the house and getting some exercise in the fresh air, by meeting other people with similar problems and making new friends and by losing themselves in activities which help them forget their problems. And they get to eat healthy organic vegetables too.

Anyone who feels they might benefit can ask their GP or care co-ordinator to refer them. Priority will be given to Burngreave residents, since the project is funded by Burngreave New Deal for Communities.

If you are interested and want to come and visit for yourself or someone you know then please contact the project managers, Helen or John, on 0114 274 3651