Project Story
Dignity is an inclusive supported well being project held in local community gardens, staffed by an occupational therapist, mental health counsellor, fibre artist, social researcher, garden coordinators and many volunteers.
Our purpose is to improve the health and wellbeing outcomes of participants by being active and engaged in a community garden.
We aim to overcome physical, cognitive and mental health barriers to good health through access to gentle exercise, positive social interactions and healthy eating in an outdoor environment.
The onsite professional support boosts independence and confidence to participate in community activities and gives carers peace of mind.
We are building communities which are compassionate, dementia friendly and which nurture mental health.
DIGnity creates a safe place to participate for all community members.
How the funds will be used
Funds will contribute to the cost of:
Funding for catering, tools and gardening resources
Garden Coordinator to be onsite to coordinate the project
Fibre artist to be onsite to lead creative projects
Mental health cousellor to be onsite to provide social and emotional support.
Occupational therapist to be onsite to provide physical assistance and tailored activities for engagement
If we don't meet our target goal we have options like reducing the amount of time allocated to carrying out the project, or reducing the number of sessions. We will continually look into alternative grants and funding options to continue the project into the foreseeable future.
What makes this project special
This program draws on the natural therapeutic attributes of the community garden, and makes them more accessible to people who would not otherwise be able to join in. The support we offer is personal, respectful and simply an extension of our everyday relationships.
We believe in the concept of dignity of risk and encourage or participants to get in and have a go at what ever they want to try.
We encourage everyone to come along! No referrals, no assessment. No cost, no obligations.
The community garden offers a range of options for activity - you can be with others or you can be by yourself. You can work up a sweat, or you can just sit and rest and relax in the outdoors. Meet other people from the community who you might not otherwise come in contact with, make a woven basket or help make the lunch!
