Now with so many of us at home due to Covid-19 restrictions, we finally have time to start that herb patch, sow those seeds, or plant those wildflowers. If you think you have green fingers or you simply want to get outside and try something new, why not get involved in ‘Growing for well-being week’.At a time when we had to stay home to keep safe, many of us have spent time in our havens that are our gardens.

What is the ‘Growing for Wellbeing’ week all about?

Growing for well-being week takes place June 1-7,2020, by Life at No.27, a UK gardening therapy organisation supporting children and adults suffering from low confidence, self-esteem, and mental health illness.

What are the benefits of gardening for well-being according to the evidence?

Evidence is building that growing your own (GYO) has many advantages to your mental health, including improving confidence, concentration, communication, and self-worth. A meta-analysis of research conducted by Soga et al. concluded that gardening improves physical, psychological, and social health, which can, long-term, alleviate and prevent many health issues facing today’s society. A recent review of the literature reveals many benefits of gardening on your social, mental, and physical well-being. Physically, gardening provides great exercise benefits and allows you to enjoy being outdoors and connecting perhaps with fellow gardeners. This can be a lifesaver for isolated individuals or a way for children to make new friends.

Download your free resource pack at https://lifeatno27.com/national-growing-for-wellbeing-week/ and get involved in their fun gardening activities.

This pack has been written not only to make gardening fun but also to introduce you to the five ways to well-being:

•Connect–Connect with people and nature

•Be Active–Get outdoors and move around

•Take Notice–Take time just to be still and watch nature’s beauty

•Learn–Acquire new skills, confidence, and ownership

•Give –Share time and plants with friends/family 3

If you want to get involved on social media, share your favourite gardening pics or green finger tales tagging @GYOWellbeingWk on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, then using the hashtag #GYOforWellbeing.

1.Soga, M. Gaston, K. and Yamaura, Y. ScienceDirect. Gardening is beneficial for health: A meta-analysis. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211335516301401#s0075https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2016.11.0072.https://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/sites/www.gardenorganic.org.uk/files/GrowingHealth_BenefitsReport_0.pdf

3.https://lifeatno27.files.wordpress.com/2020/05/2020-growing-for-wellbeing-resource-pack-

2.pdf4.National Growing for Wellbeing Week -Life at No.27. https://lifeatno27.com/national-growing-for-wellbeing-week/