A gardening project has paused for the winter after nine successful weeks.

People experiencing homelessness have enjoyed a weekly two-hour gardening session at their hostel with community gardening group Incredible Edible. The sessions will start again when the weather improves in the new year.

Residents of the hostel where the club ran were able to build raised beds in a small open area between the buildings. Over the weeks they grew vegetables from seed, and from additional plants provided by Incredible Edible, all funded by Church Homeless Trust.

The residents were able to harvest and cook the fresh vegetables on site. It has helped those on low incomes to eat more healthily.

Gardening is beneficial for both mental and physical health, and can also encourage a sense of community among those who feel isolated in their hostel rooms. There are further benefits such as learning about plants and vegetables, and getting to cook and eat fresh produce.

A support worker at the service commented that the garden has helped hostel residents take more pride in their living areas, and work together more frequently. They have now asked for benches so they can enjoy the open space together.

“(We are) getting certain customers who weren’t engaging and very closed off in their flats to get out and have something to focus on. It helps their mental health, and they grow in confidence to be able to gain help in other areas.”