Link Nurseries, (part of WCG Worcestershire) and SSAFA (The Armed Forces Charity) Worcestershire have launched a new service for veterans and armed forces personnel to support health and wellbeing.

Worcestershire and Herefordshire has several thousand ex-service men and women living within the counties and adjusting to civilian life after leaving the force can frequently lead to loneliness due to separation from other comrades, or mental health issues such as PTSD.

This year marks the centenary of the end of the First World War, and to celebrate this milestone an initiative was created by Link Nurseries in Powick, to provide a well-being facility that supports veterans and serving military personnel through the use of gardening.

The Well-Bean project offers attendees the opportunity to grow their own vegetables, flowers and gardens, and attend classes, whilst also giving them a great opportunity to get out in the fresh air, to be active, develop new skills and meet other like minded individuals.

Tommy, 29, from Malvern, is a veteran and sufferer of PTSD, said “The Well-Bean Gardening Club. No matter the disability, the background or ability, we stand together and say ‘we can do it’. The main thing I’d like to say is that I’ve been able to bring my two year old daughter along, where I can spend quality time with her but also to teach her how to grow vegetables and plants, which she has very successfully done.”

Debs, 48,  from Worcester, is a veteran and sufferer of PTSD. She said: “I had never done any type of gardening before until found the Well-Bean Gardening Club. It is a very therapeutic place, that is non-judgemental and both friendly and welcoming from the start. The team have encouraged me to try new things, of which the experience has been very rewarding, and given me a new lease of life.”

Jeff Clayton, of Worcester City SSAFA, said: “After the success of two SSAFA clients at the Well-Bean Club, we are looking forward to working closer with Link Nurseries with the introduction of  the Veterans Gardening Club.

“It is hoped that veterans and any dependants from the local area will attend the weekly three hour sessions every Thursday morning.  The course is open to all veterans and their dependants. The atmosphere is relaxed and convivial and people will have the opportunity to work and learn together or individually."

Phil Woodhead, manager at the Link Nurseries  said: “The goal at link is to give veterans something back as a 'thank you' for the service that they all have provided for us. We offer a service that addresses loneliness and mental health issues such as PTSD, providing a safe space to talk with fellow veterans whilst engaging with horticultural tasks and other clientele.”

PLEASE NOTE Link Nurseries is no longer part of WCG as of Thursday 25th July 2024.

Issued: Wednesday 14 November 2018