Growing Together: Community Gardening Sessions Supporting Patients

A guest blog by our partners at Cyrenians

Cyrenians ‘Growing Together’ gardening sessions which are funded by NHS Lothian Charity are proving a real success for patients, providing a welcoming opportunity to spend time outdoors, connect with nature and build positive relationships with staff and volunteers.

Patients are getting involved in a range of gardening activities and nature-based crafts. The sessions offer more than just time in the garden, they create opportunities to build confidence, learn new skills and enjoy meaningful social connections.

A particularly positive outcome has been the connection between patients and community volunteers. Working alongside others in a relaxed, supportive environment helps to reduce isolation and creates a strong sense of belonging.

Being in nature also brings clear benefits. Time spent outdoors, surrounded by plants and fresh air, can provide a calming and restorative experience, helping patients to feel more connected, active and positive.

The sessions are demonstrating how community gardening can support wellbeing, strengthen social connections and create a shared space where patients and volunteers can grow together and spend time in a tranquil environment.

It was like watching someone who was back in their garden, feeling/touching every flower”.

Every patient smiling ear to ear as they were leaving”

Midlothian Community Garden

Midlothian Community Hospital Garden are enjoying some new additions, there is a new undercover space which was funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund last year alongside new brick raised beds which will soon be covered by mosaics which have been carefully crafted by our wonderful volunteers. We also seem to have some grass trolls that have moved in which will be joined soon by garden fairies.

Throughout September to December our volunteers and local community members can come to the garden and enjoy a community meal prepared by our very own volunteer chefs. It is always lovely to cook with produce from the garden and sit together to enjoy with company.

Royal Edinburgh Community Garden

As part of this year’s Summer Sessions at the Royal Edinburgh, Cyrenians brought a very special literary treat to the community garden, inviting acclaimed author Alexander McCall Smith to join us for a unique afternoon of storytelling and conversation.
More than 70 patients, staff and local volunteers gathered in the garden to enjoy Alexander’s warm and engaging book reading, which was filled with wonderful stories, personal anecdotes and plenty of laughter. The afternoon offered a fantastic opportunity for everyone to come together, enjoy the garden and share in the magic of a good story.

To make the occasion even more memorable, Alexander generously gifted and signed books for everyone who attended, creating a truly special experience that will be remembered long after the Summer Sessions have ended.