Hello Ecominds supporter
Welcome to the latest edition of Ecominds e-news. We’ve been extremely busy since we were last in touch – helping launch over 50 new projects, getting our hands muddy out in the field, and awarding our final projects!
As 2010 draws to a close we’d like to share some of the great successes our projects have had this year, from winning community gardening and photography prizes, right through to the transformation of green spaces. Please read on to see what we’ve been up to and how we’ve been helping to change the lives of many of our service users.
Oh, and finally we hope you all have a very merry Christmas!
Jenny O'Doherty
Ecominds Promotions Coordinator
Blooming Marvellous has made an incredible difference to the lives of its service users and the local community in one year. They’ve gone from strength to strength – supporting 45 volunteers, establishing a new allotment, and transforming over 24 gardens within the local community.
Their biggest achievements are the reported improvements in confidence by their service users and seeing over 50% of them move into jobs, college, or other volunteering opportunities. Find out more.
Ecominds service user Paul tells us how his dying interest in gardening has been re-ignited through participation at Blooming Marvellous. As his flowers and plants began to bloom so did his imagination, inspiring him to create a beautiful communal garden and many potted plants which landed him three prizes for his hard work. >Hear what Paul has to say.
Reg, a 70 year-old, felt isolated and often depressed. When he was referred to PoLLeN he was anxious and didn’t think the activities would be suitable for him. After a few weeks he's formed friendships, relies less on the project coordinator and has experienced a real boost in mood. ‘‘For the first time in a long time I sang as I walked home,’’ said Reg.
The project has also changed the attitudes of his GP who said, ‘’If I hadn’t seen the transformation in Reg I wouldn’t have believed the power of projects like PoLLeN.’’ Read more.
Growing Well invited us along to their project to see what a typical day was like for them – read full story. Down at the farm we also got the chance to meet with their volunteer Michael who shared his inspirational story and plans for the future. Read Michael’s story.
> Watch ITV Lookaround News visit.
We’ve had lots of letters and positive feedback from our service users and the community, including, “Initially I was very anxious about joining the group, but everyone made me feel welcome and at home. Read lots more.
Why don’t you discover your own breathing space today by getting out into the open air of a park, woodlands, or the countryside?
VisitWoods has just launched a new website packed with everything you need to plan a great day out, including searchable maps and space for visitors to share their photos and tips. >Find our more
Have you been discriminated against on the grounds of your mental health? Want to do something about it? Time to Change has a new online resource packed with advice on how to set up an anti-discrimination campaign. Find out more.
We are developing our strategy for 2012 to 2015 and we want to make sure Mind’s priorities reflect the experiences and views of a wide range of stakeholders.
This very short survey will be going live soon and will be open until February. Sign up now to be notified when it's open. Find out more.
Tell us what you’d like to see in the next edition or give us your feedback on any of the content you’ve read here today Ecominds@mind.org.uk