Come And Have A Dig In The Bosco Garden!

With Spring just around the corner now is the time to be thinking about digging over the soil and preparing the land for planting. And this is exactly what is happening at Bosco House.

But this is gardening with a difference, as project coordinator Alan Matthews explains: “In recent years there has been a significant upswing of interest in the therapeutic value of gardens that are specifically designed to address a variety of applications within healthcare, rehabilitation, and other therapeutic settings.”

“We aim to develop the gardens at Bosco House to enhance the health and wellbeing of our residents, our volunteers and staff, and those who have experienced substance misuse issues. We are going to provide learning opportunities for clients (growing and cooking their own food, marketing, selling produce, etc.), recreational activities for local volunteers, and therapeutic benefit to those with substance misuse issues.”

“The value in this project is not merely filling the time with meaningful activity but, as horticulture is governed by the seasons, using the forward planning necessary to run a garden helps the individual to focus on the future as part of their recovery journey. Moreover, given the opportunity to grow fruit and vegetables and market the produce will provide valuable learning, increase self-confidence, enhance life skills, and a pathway to employment.”

“We have discussed this initiative at our weekly resident’s meetings and Lifeline’s community development worker has consulted their clients; the idea has been enthusiastically received. We are also working in partnership with several other organisations, too, such as Hugh Baird College and The Brink, a ‘dry’ bar and restaurant ran by and for former substance misusers. Everyone can see the value of the project and are keen to be involved.”

Hugh Baird College is backing the project with a proposed one afternoon per week taster course that will earn participants a certificate of attendance.

So, if you fancy having a dig, give Alan a ring on 0151 944 1818.