Sydenham Garden supports people with mental health problems and those in the early stages of dementia. Our gardens and nature reserve in the heart of Lewisham provide a backdrop for people to use horticulture and nature to support their mental health and wellbeing and become part of a community.
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Beneficiaries
Our local community, Lewisham in South London, has significantly higher rates of depression and severe mental illness than London or England as a whole, with limited opportunities for outdoor activities to connect with nature. In recent years, the pandemic, inflation and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis have also created desperate situations for people within our community, which are all having a negative effect on their mental health. Many people often have nowhere else to turn for support.
We provide a calm oasis where people come to support their mental health. We run 14 weekly groups within our gardens which support individual recovery and prevent escalating health crises. We use social therapeutic horticulture to support people’s mental health over a 12-month placement. People are referred to us from their GP or support worker, and join a weekly inclusive group based on their needs and interests. Groups are led by our experienced team and supported by volunteers.
