NHS Lanarkshire staff and local residents are welcome to join free outdoor gardening sessions at Rutherglen Health Centre. The group meets every week to get outdoors, meet new faces and help make Rutherglen Health Centre a greener and more welcoming place for all.
NHS Lanarkshire is working in partnership with Grow 73 on the Greener Communities Hospital Gardening Project, which is funded by NHS Charities Together. The project creates opportunities for staff, patients and local people to get involved in gardening and enjoy NHS Lanarkshire’s outdoor spaces.
Participants don’t need any gardening experience to take part. Grow 73’s outdoor drop-in sessions are suitable for all ages and abilities, with tools, gloves and plants provided. Those taking part can work alongside the project team, learn new skills and contribute as much or as little as they feel comfortable with.
The group meets every Wednesday from 2pm to 4pm at Rutherglen Health Centre, gathering at the car park entrance. There’s no need to book. Simply drop in during the session or contact Eugenie at Eugenie@grow73.org for more information.
Eugenie Aroutcheff, Project Coordinator – Community Gardener, Grow 73, said: “Our gardening groups are a great opportunity for residents and NHS Lanarkshire staff to come along, learn and share skills, and enjoy time outdoors together.
“Three raised beds have already been created at Rutherglen Health Centre and used to grow vegetables, flowers and soft fruit.
“Staff, patients, members of the community and Grow 73 volunteers have all taken part to help create an outdoor space that can be enjoyed by everyone visiting or working at the health centre.
“Future plans include more pollinator-friendly planting, improvements to the picnic and staff seating area, tree planting, additional food-growing spaces and further work to encourage biodiversity.
“We would be thrilled to welcome anyone keen to come along.”
There are lots of reasons to get involved. As well as helping to transform the health centre grounds, volunteering is an opportunity to:
- spend time outdoors and enjoy nature
- meet new people and connect with the local community
- learn about growing fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers
- support local wildlife and pollinators
- help create welcoming spaces for staff, patients and visitors to enjoy.
The project is already making a difference to people’s experience of Rutherglen Health Centre.
Stuart Ward, Biodiversity Manager, NHS Lanarkshire, said: “Whether you’re a keen gardener or have never picked up a trowel before, this is an opportunity to get outdoors, try something new and help Rutherglen Health Centre continue to grow.
“Feedback has included staff enjoying seeing the sunflowers as they arrive at work, people eating fresh produce grown on site and patients making use of the improved front garden before and after appointments.
“People have also approached the project team to talk about gardening, harvesting food and the impact that access to nature can have on mental wellbeing.
“It all shows how even a small amount of time spent getting involved can contribute to something that benefits the wider health centre community. We’re grateful to NHS Charities Together for continuing to fund new and exciting green health opportunities.”
