During the recent General Assembly Meeting, the GreenME consortium had the pleasure of visiting the Abbey Physic Community Garden in Faversham—a hidden gem that perfectly aligns with GreenME’s mission of improving mental health equity and wellbeing through nature.
The visit offered consortium members a unique opportunity to connect with nature, explore the garden’s beautiful surroundings, and witness firsthand the powerful impact that green spaces can have on mental and physical health. Walking through the lush garden, surrounded by the vibrant energy of the plants and wildlife, was a moment of peace and reflection that underscored the importance of community-led green initiatives in promoting holistic wellbeing.
Abbey Physic Community Garden is more than just a garden. Established as a therapeutic space, it provides a sanctuary where individuals of all backgrounds can come together to grow, learn, and heal. The garden hosts a wide range of activities including gardening workshops, mindfulness sessions, and social events—all aimed at fostering mental health, reducing isolation, and creating a sense of belonging. This community-driven approach aligns with GreenME’s core belief in nature-based solutions for mental health, equity, and social inclusion.
The garden has long provided solace to its members, with one saying, “I can honestly say that coming to the garden saved my life” – a powerful testament to its life-changing impact. Abbey Physic’s philosophy of inclusion welcomes all, particularly those facing mental health challenges, bereavement, or social isolation.
At the heart of the garden’s mission is the idea that “Growing Well Together”—both literally and figuratively—can have profound effects on mental wellbeing. By creating inclusive spaces that encourage connection with nature, Abbey Physic is helping to break down barriers to mental health support, a vision that GreenME is proud to support and promote.
This visit was a powerful reminder of how nature and community can play pivotal roles in healing and recovery. GreenME is excited to continue fostering collaborations like this one, working together to improve mental health outcomes across Europe, and beyond.