We are a Horticultural therapy project, supporting people with mental health difficulties in the Ashfield and Mansfield areas of Nottinghamshire.

Our aims are to: Maintain mental well-being, Reduce social isolation, Improve confidence and Promote healthy living.

We used to be run by a national mental health charity but the project was set to close in 2011 due to council funding cuts. We got together as a group and took the project over ourselves, setting up as a CIC in 2012. We are situated in the lovely surroundings of Sutton Lawns pleasure grounds in Sutton-in-Ashfield. We grow a large selection of fruit and vegetables, all organically, which our volunteers are able to take home. We have a large greenhouse and grown the majority of our plants from seed. The site includes a vegetable garden, wildlife border (complete with Newts!), herb garden, cut flower, herbaceous and soft fruit borders and a new seating area which we are raising funds for. We have a range of activities for all abilities which are a fun way to get a bit of physical exercise. Our two part time staff are there to provide help and support with any problems people may have. The main benefit is the chance to get together with others who have been through similar experiences. For some it is their only chance to socialise in the week and the support and friendship among the team is incredibly inspiring. It is a place where people can relax and just be themselves, an oasis of calm away from what is often a stressful world.

Ashfield District Council support us with use of the site and the Big Lottery Fund have awarded a grant to cover our two part time staff. We do however have to raise all other funding ourselves. This includes funds for materials and activities, organisational costs to ensure the project is run properly (legal, financial and health and safety) and other general running costs that may arise.

We also try to help and support other groups setting up their own gardening project by providing plants, seeds and resources to get them off the ground.

We are grateful for all the support we have received over the years and any donations are very gratefully received and will directly benefit those using the project. We love to have people visit us and see the project 'in action'. We always have plenty of tea and biscuits so visitors are made most welcome! Please get in touch if you would like to find out more about us.