People are disconnected from the land and each other. Those with learning difficulties and long-term physical/mental health challenges are three times more likely to be social isolated and lead an inactive lifestyle and more likely to be severly overweight. Increasing evidence shows that green space, and particularly gardening, is beneficial to mental and physical health, but lack of transport and support means, even in a rural county like Devon, vulnerable residents rarely get outside.

We will support participants (referred by support workers ie NHS, Age UK) to be active, enjoy the therapeutic effects of nature, work in a team and learn new skills through 80 supported and educational sessions in our community garden, with transport provided from central Exeter. Each session will be run by two experienced tutors and will include supported cooking of garden produce to create a home cooked healthy meal, for some the only hot meal they will eat that week.