East Malling: Community gardening encourages older people to socialise

A charity in Kent has set up weekly community gardening sessions to help older people feel less isolated.

Communigrow hosts the sessions in East Malling which it describes as a "safe space" for people to speak.

The charity's wellbeing coordinator, Donna Sallick, says members of the community "often feel lonely" before coming to the group.

Produce is donated to local foodbanks, homeless shelters, or sold to volunteers and members at reduced cost.

Ms Sallick said: "It's peaceful, it's tranquil, and it's regular. People know it happens at the same time every week, and just having a routine helps a lot of people."

She added many who attend start off anxious and shy, but the garden allows them to come out of their shells.

The sessions run all year round, with people having the chance to sew seeds, weed the garden, and socialise with others.

Members of the group told the BBC South East that Communigrow had transformed their wellbeing.

Organisers have noted local GPs are now recommending people attend their sessions.

Lynn Bryant began coming to the allotment in 2020. She said: "I came across this group after lockdown.

"It's been fantastic. It's very mindful and therapeutic. I feel like I'm a part of a group that makes a difference."

Alan Piper said: "I'm 74 now and my wellbeing is important to me. Just being here is relaxing and rewarding and I find it very useful."

The charity has plans to expand to other parts of Kent in the new year.

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