Research on gardening has shown that 'getting your hands in the soil’ offers multiple health benefits, particularly reducing anxiety and depression. Heather Lodge CIC has received funding from the Scottish Government’s Mental Health and Well-being Fund during the last three years to offer outdoor well-being activities.

Participants in a Therapeutic Gardening Group take part in gardening tasks from spring to autumn with an experienced and qualified Educational Gardener. These sessions take place in the Heather Lodge garden and include learning how to grow flowers, fruit and vegetables using wildlife-friendly methods. The programme accepts referrals from GPs, social workers, OTs and other health professionals. It is also possible for individuals just to self-refer.

In addition to health benefits, participants describe the value of the social contact which this activity gives them. They can also learn how to grow some food for themselves. We would like to offer these benefits more widely in the Arran community.

We already have disabled-friendly raised beds and other parts of the garden for this work. Experience over the last few years has shown that acquiring a greenhouse would expand opportunities for groups by providing a protected area for propagating seeds and young plants, and also offering a sheltered workspace for elderly and disabled participants during periods of poor weather.

We have already prepared a solid base for erecting a greenhouse. We are now seeking to source a 6’ x 10’ greenhouse. Options which are safe and suitable for use by groups and robust enough for an exposed site cost in the region of £1000 including delivery. The CIC envisages being able to meet any costs over £1000, if necessary, from donations or general income. The structure will be erected by volunteers. It will offer a potential working life of 10+ years and should become a real asset for the community.

The main aim of Art in Mind is to reduce social isolation, providing a safe and relaxed environment where people can socialise, while being creative. Over the years, this has increased the confidence of individuals attending, and enhanced their feelings of well-being. There is no time limit, so some people have been coming for the twenty years, others come and go, but they all know that the door is open for them to return.

There is a relaxed, friendly and sometimes really industrious atmosphere, not to mention frequent doses of laughter! Time can be spent in group activity and doing your own ‘thing’, with plenty of help, support and advice – often achieving great results.

Some of the comments about the group have been;

‘I enjoy having a purpose and doing homework for the group. It reminds me of going to school, which I loved. I feel better on Saturdays and Sundays when I’ve been to Aim on a Friday’

‘Being able to be myself, friendship, acceptance, understanding, feeling for the first time in my life that I belonged somewhere’.

‘Meeting up with like-minded people, and doing art in a relaxed atmosphere’

  The second group started in December 2023, and both groups continue to meet every week, enjoying a wide range of creative pursuits under the guidance of a tutor. One group meets in the Ranger Centre, within National Trust's Brodick Castle Grounds. The other uses  part of Brodick village Hall. Transport from the ACVS Transport scheme, assists some members to attand, as well as some Art in Mind  Volunteer drivers. Both groups are supported by volunteers who take part in the art activities and help the tutor with materials and setting up the venue etc. The grant from Arran Community Council's Scottish Power Renewables Fund, has made this possible, but in reality has not been sufficient . There is a second year of funding due in October 2024, and Arran Visual Arts intend to advise them of the shortfall. However, the time allowed for the Coordinator of 3 hours per week, has not been enough, and the Art Materials requested by the different Tutors, and cost of ACVS transport,  has cost more than originally anticipated.

Arran Council for Voluntary Services Transport costs approx £30 per month  = £360

Art Materials    Clay  £40, Paper  £80,  Paints £40   =  £160

Additional Coordinator Hours  2 hours @ £20 per hour, per month = £480

Total  £1,000