Dorset Mind grows ecotherapy support to three new sites in Dorset

Local charity, Dorset Mind, has expanded its ecotherapy group support, Eco in Mind, to three new sites across Dorset from 17 April.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.

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.”
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To find out more about Eco in Mind, follow this link, or email [email protected]
To find out more about the support, education and training Dorset Mind offers, visit Dorset Mind’s website.