A NEW well-being service has been launched in Powick to support war veterans and current members of the armed forces battling with mental health issues or loneliness.
This year marks the centenary of the end of the First World War and to celebrate this milestone a scheme has been created by Link Nurseries in conjunction with SSAFA – The Armed Forces Charity to provide well-being classes through the use of gardening.
The Well-Bean project offers attendees the opportunity to grow their own vegetables, flowers and gardens as well as attend classes which also gives them an opportunity to get out in the fresh air, to be active, develop new skills and meet other like-minded individuals.
Malvern veteran Tommy Bourne, 29, who is battling PTSD, said “No matter the disability, the background or ability, we stand together and say ‘we can do it’.
“The main thing I’d like to say is that I’ve been able to bring my two-year-old daughter along, where I can spend quality time with her but also to teach her how to grow vegetables and plants, which she has very successfully done.”
Philip Woodhead, manager of Link Nurseries, said the aim of the classes were to give veterans something back as a thank you for their service in the armed forces.
He added: “We offer a service which addresses loneliness and mental health issues such as PTSD, providing a safe space to talk with fellow veterans whilst engaging with horticultural tasks and other clientele.”
Email [email protected], visit www.wcg.ac.uk/linknurseries or call 01905 831881 for more.
