A gardening project in the North East is promoting mental and physical wellness, thanks to a £8,900 grant from a charitable trust.

The project, located within a community garden in Consett, has been funded by The Bernicia Foundation and delivered by Let's Get Growing.

Let’s Get Growing provides horticulture and well-being sessions for individuals dealing with mental health problems, dementia, mild learning difficulties, and those who are socially isolated.

The organisation has conducted 45 weekly sessions since receiving the grant, attracting 80 participants who tended to the garden in Minsteracres Retreat Centre.

Hexham Courant: The grant came from a charitable trustThe grant came from a charitable trust (Image: Let's Get Growing)

Based in Hexham, Let’s Get Growing extends its services to different groups, including asylum seekers, individuals recovering from substance misuse, carers, and the homeless.

It has a supporting team of ten volunteers.

Ross Menzies, joint project coordinator for Let’s Get Growing, said: "The people that attended the sessions were part of a mixed-need group and, whatever the challenges they faced in their personal lives, in the garden they were appreciated for who they were and supported to make a meaningful contribution.

"We have also been able to welcome many other groups into the garden and held an open day with workshops and guided tours.

"The garden is a place of belonging and transformation and the funding from The Bernicia Foundation has allowed so many positive things to take place for so many people."

Let’s Get Growing has seen a rise in demand for mental health support and activities for people with dementia and learning difficulties.

It also stands by carers, providing respite support to cater to their mental health and wellbeing needs.

Jenny Allinson, director of The Bernicia Foundation, said: “Let’s Get Growing provides vital support to help people manage their mental health and wellbeing in a productive and meaningful way.

“Bringing people together to share experiences and learn new skills is a great way of combating isolation, promoting independence and reducing loneliness in our communities."

The Bernicia Foundation was established by Bernicia, a North East housing association, aiming to provide funds to support communities across Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham, and Teesside.

Applications for the next round of funding open on July 1.