Thanks to Reverend Frances Watson and Godshill Methodist Church Clerk, Netta Clark, a community garden has begun to bloom.
Netta and members of the church community had the wonderful idea to create a community garden where people could meet, talk and grow together.
They wanted to create a space where children could learn gardening skills, older people had a place to meet and where community events could take place, bringing people together.
Community support
Her idea has already brought people together, as members of the community rallied around to help bring this idea to life, from the support of the Reverend, to Godshill Crochet Club, to the Social Prescribers, to the Coop Member Pioneer and Shanklin Men in Sheds, they have all helped to support this wonderful community venture.
After meeting Netta and hearing about her idea, Anne Osborn Shanklin and Ventnor Coop Member Pioneer got in touch with Steve Print from Shanklin Men in Sheds to ask if they could help. They have been amazing in building raised beds and a bench for the garden and providing lots of support to help Netta create this community garden.
She also encouraged Netta to write to Ventnor Coop to ask for some additional funding, leading her to receive a cheque for £150.
Baker: Improving mental health and physical wellbeing through green social prescribing
Rebecca Baker, Link-Worker Lead for One Wight Health Ltd tells us more about Social Prescribers and the connections created in Godshill,
“Social Prescribers provide non-medical support to those aged 18 and above to improve their health and wellbeing. The service is confidential and free of charge and easy to access through your local surgery.
“Social Prescribers aim to tackle loneliness and social isolation which is an issue they are often faced with. The team support individuals to take greater control of their own wellbeing and in many cases, this can be improved through engagement in their local community.
“The Thursday afternoon group held at Godshill Methodist Church (2-4) was put together by the South Primary Care Network Social Prescribing Team. The group was set-up as a place for people to come together, following the lockdowns during the pandemic.
“The group offers a range of activities in-line with the attendees’ interests. It is an opportunity for a cuppa and natter, and regular guest speakers are invited to discuss community support services.
“The Co-op have supported this group and have provided supplies to get the first sessions underway. On a recent re-visit to the group, discussions were had on plans for creating a community garden led by group member/Methodist Church Clerk, Netta Clark.
“We are delighted to hear that Ventnor Co-op are pleased to support with the set-up of the Community Garden. We strongly believe this would further enhance social engagement and improve mental health and physical wellbeing through green social prescribing.”
Image: Ventnor Coop Store Manager Paul Helyer presents cheque, then (left to right): Michael Flatley, Rebecca Baker, Lisa Murphy (One Wight Health), Steve Print (Shanklin Men in Sheds) Netta Clark, Robert Blanchard (Shanklin Men in Sheds) Anne Osborn (Coop)
News shared by Anne on behalf of Coop. Ed
Image: © Roving Lens Photographers, Seaview
