Can home gardening help one’s mental health?
A recent workshop organised by the North West Regional Health Authority’s (NWRHA) Pembroke Street Mental Health and Wellness Centre and the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries’ Extension Training and Information Services (ETIS) Division promoted mental health and wellness through an in-house six progamme entitled “Home Gardening.”
The aim of this course was to allow an outlet for stress relief, increased physical activity, socialization as well as introducing self-sufficiency in dire economic times.
The NWRHA said through facilitators Vasanti Maharaj and Rachael Singh-Ali (ETIS), 21 participants were expertly guided in both classroom and practical sessions.
The expansive enthusiasm was felt among all involved. Plants such as patchoi, lettuce and seasonings were grown from seelings in pots and containers. Topics included, seedling selection, pest management, transplanting and the use of fertilizers.
A graduation ceremony was held for participants on Thursday 23rd February, 2023 at the Pembroke Street Mental Health and Wellness Centre.
All participants received a Certificate in Home Gardening by the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries as well as two tokens each for participating.
In attendance was Keisha Lewis (Regional Manager, Mental Health, NWRHA), Director of ETISD – Teresa Rosemand, Technical Officer ETIS Pamela Kamal, Facilitators Mrs. Maharaj and Singh-Ali (ETIS), staff of Pembroke Street Mental Health and Wellness Centre, graduants and their loved ones.