Gardening on prescription launch at Vale Community Hospital

I recently had the pleasure of supporting the launch of the gardening on prescription project run by not-for-profit Down to Earth Stroud at Vale Community Hospital in Dursley. This innovative scheme turned unused hospital land into raised bed allotments, a small orchard and community gardens, offering people the chance to grow their own fruit and vegetables while improving their health and wellbeing.

My role involved organising the launch event, press and publicity including inviting stakeholders, local dignitaries, journalists, volunteers and community members and making sure everyone had the information they needed. I also managed the media and PR, achieving strong coverage to help get the word out and highlighting the achievements of this project and its benefits for patients and the local community.

It was inspiring to see everyone come together to celebrate this unique initiative, which combines social prescribing with hands-on gardening, workshops and community involvement. Helping to share the story of a project that supports health, wellbeing and community connections was incredibly rewarding and I’m excited to see how it continues to grow.

Thanks to:

Clare Nelmes, Mayor of Dursley
Neil Grecian, Deputy Mayor
Doina Cornell, Steve Lydon and Geoff Wheeler from Stroud District Council
Mike Burdge, Vale Community Hospital League of Friends
The Gloucestershire Gazette
Stroud Life/Gloucester Citizen
BBC Radio Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire County Council Active Together scheme which has helped fund this project
The Dursley GP Commissioning Group
Vale Community Hospital League of Friends
Bisley Community Composting Scheme
Dursley Town Council