Donning gardening gloves and hats, the allied health group program team at the Atherton Road Centre has been planting the seeds of support to engage their community-based mental health consumers.
Partnering with the Murrumbeena Community Garden, the team was gifted a raised garden bed and starter kit, including potting mix and a range of seedlings, to establish a functional kitchen garden – and a new hobby for their consumers.
The gardening program is led by Emily Miranda, Group Coordinator and Team Leader, and Olivia Sketchley, Occupational Therapist, who developed the program to introduce consumers to a new interest.
“They can learn a new skill, enjoy time outdoors, and meet other like-minded individuals,” says Emily.
The program provides consumers with a hands-on, tangible way to connect with nature and engage in a productive and rewarding activity in a supportive group environment.
With a range of skill sets within the group, the program is fostering knowledge sharing and education around gardening and composting.
“Some people come with no knowledge of gardening,” says Olivia, “so it’s about sharing knowledge.”
Emily asserts that Olivia is doing a lot of the sharing.
“Olivia is definitely the one with the green thumb!”
Some of the benefits of the program are obvious. The team has successfully grown bok choy, lettuce and tomatoes, which consumers can harvest and use at home. They are also spending time outdoors, interacting with others, and getting some gentle exercise.
“We’re connecting with nature, working as a team, and having a laugh,” says Emily.
The more subtle benefits of the program go much deeper.
“They’re building their sense of identity and confidence, and can see the positive impact of what they’re doing.”
Emily says the gardening program is the first of its kind, and forms part of a wider group program that is also a new initiative in community mental health, running for around 12 months.
Emily hopes that the initiative may be explored at other sites.
“We’re excited about it.”
Approved by Paula Hakesley, General Manager, Monash Health Mental Health Program