The new groups are targeted at specific groups: carers, families and friends of people living with dementia, NHS and Blue Light workers, and patients at a GP surgery.

Delivered in partnership with trusted organisations, the new locations are at Ferndown with the Growing Compassionate Communities initiative; Shillingstone with The Big Yellow Bus Project; and Shaftesbury, based at Abbey View GP Surgery in connection with Shaftesbury in Bloom and the Blackmore Vale surgeries.

The local charity champions a whole-community effort and all produce grown at the new allotments will go to local foodbanks or communities. Residents at Moretons Abbeyfield Wessex Care Home are assisting the local project by planting seeds and nurturing seedlings, ready for growing at the Ferndown Dementia Friendly allotments.

Ecotherapy is known to support better wellbeing. Gardening just twice a week improves wellbeing and relieves stress according to BBC’s Science Focus. National Mind describes ecotherapy as a ‘formal type of therapeutic treatment which involves doing outdoor activities in nature,’ something the Dorset branch of Mind delivers on its allotments.

The charity has seen positive outcomes from work on its established allotments in Dorchester and Weymouth, supporting local adults and young people: 100% of participants’ mood were improved or maintained over sessions (81 sessions delivered in 2021/22) and 100% people would recommend Eco in Mind’s support. Activities are centred around the evidence-based Five Ways to Wellbeing – proven steps to increase wellbeing including getting active, connecting, taking notice, learning, and giving back.

Feedback like the following was received recently from one of the regular adult participants. He lives with OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) and struggles with the thought of germs, but he was able to sow seeds with a facilitator, which was huge progress. His mum said: “It was a big step for him today. I know it’s given him a boost. He said he felt really anxious before he started, but it went away and he’s really proud of himself. Small steps.”

Sharon Best, Eco in Mind development coordinator said: “I am so pleased that Eco in Mind will reach even more people across Dorset. We’re aiming to support different people such as carers, paramedics and Blue Light workers, alongside opening adult sessions in community growing spaces and a medical centre. This expansion will demonstrate how following the Five Ways to Wellbeing outside in nature supports mental wellbeing in the community.”

Linda O’Sullivan, Dorset Mind CEO added: “Echoing what Sharon says, connection and being outside in nature are proven to fundamentally improve people’s wellbeing. By collaborating with chosen partners in different locations, we can develop what we’ve learnt from several years serving Dorchester and Weymouth – and roll this impactful service out across the county, helping normalise the conversation about mental health in our communities.”

Dr Andy Mayers, Dorset Mind Patron and Principal Academic at Bournemouth University said: “I am delighted to see the expansion of Eco in Mind. The benefits of using nature to boost mental wellbeing are clear, but this is also an opportunity to teach environmentally friendly methods to grow produce. Everyone’s a winner.”

To find out more about Eco in Mind, follow this link, or email ecoinmind@dorsetmind.uk

To find out more about the support, education and training Dorset Mind offers, visit Dorset Mind’s website.

The charity’s vital mental health support cannot operate without the generosity of businesses and the local community. If you’d like to make a donation, please follow this link.