During the GreenME project’s General Assembly meeting, held on World Mental Health Day, our consortium partners had the invaluable opportunity to reconnect with nature through a visit to the Kent Community Oasis Garden (KentCOG).
Managed by Debi Adams from our East Kent Mind partner, alongside Lydia Brocklesby, the garden serves as a powerful example of how green spaces can enhance mental wellbeing, foster community, and promote sustainability.
The KentCOG project, situated on the University of Kent campus, provides a unique space that aims to improve the wellbeing of young people, especially those between 18-25 years old. This space goes beyond the traditional garden experience by creating a community that encourages participants to connect with nature, grow sustainable food, and interact with others. The garden’s relaxed environment allows participants to drop in two days a week, offering flexibility for engagement. Alongside informal visits, the garden also hosts more structured sessions, including Biodiversity Workshops, Climate Cafés, Sustainability Education, and Nature Craft activities. These initiatives provide not just hands-on experience but also a deeper understanding of environmental issues and personal growth.
During our visit, the GreenME partners witnessed firsthand how the garden nurtures both nature and its participants. It creates an inclusive community where young people feel seen, heard, and empowered. By being part of this space, participants gain confidence as individuals, as growers, and as climate activists, contributing meaningfully to sustainability efforts. The garden fosters a safe environment that encourages personal empowerment, allowing individuals to take ownership of the space and work collectively towards environmental change.
While students form a significant part of the garden community, KentCOG also integrates members of the broader community and university staff, creating an intergenerational blend that adds consistency and richness to the project. The learning process within the garden is largely informal, with peer-to-peer interactions allowing knowledge and skills to be passed on naturally. Individuals who initially arrive seeking a peaceful refuge often develop into central figures in the community, encouraging others to experience the positive impacts the garden offers. This peer support is a crucial element of KentCOG, contributing to the personal development and wellbeing of participants.