A VALE charity which helps people deal with mental health issues through gardening is continuing to help the community in the long days of coronavirus lockdown.

The Leamy Foundation was established at St Mungo’s Episcopal Church, Alexandria, in 2015 to provide support for those struggling with long term issues of depression and social isolation.

Kevin Mason, project development manager at the foundation, said: “Our Better Views project provides social gardening and cooking activities in community settings as a means to increase physical activity, reduce social isolation and build confidence and resilience in ourselves and each other.

“Our focus is on the therapeutic benefit social gardening brings both for individuals dealing with mild mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety and stress, and for neighbourhoods as disused spaces turn into community growing spaces, thereby improving a community’s sense of well-being.”

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And pre-lockdown, the charity was working with several other community gardening groups to deliver Growing West Dunbartonshire, holding an annual spring event to inspire locals into establishing the area as “Best in Scotland” community food growing and garden location.

Kevin said: “We were in the early stages of organising a new ‘Growfest’ event to be held on September 19 in Dumbarton Academy. Since 2016, we had supported a Growing West Dunbartonshire annual spring event.

“The development of Growfest was a reflection of the growth in the number of groups getting involved and their increased sense of purpose and confidence to make positive contribution to their communities.”

Kevin added that participants and staff were “disappointed” when the lockdown came into force. He added: “The activities have become a regular part of their routine and with spring on the way, it was going to be the start of a very busy period.”

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But the foundation has launched new measures to connect with the community. Kevin said: “We set up a new Facebook group called ‘Cooking buddies in the Vale’ where our chef Rosie ‘O Shea shares tips, posts videos, and we encourage the groups member to do the same and keep in touch.

“Recently, we started a social distance gardening activity at St Mungo’s Church which can be part of people’s daily physical activity.

“A maximum of two people can attend a session and we provide tools, seeds, gloves etc.”

Post-lockdown, the foundation hopes to expand its Alexandria Kitchen garden space in Alexandria Street to arrange activities for families to use the kitchen, fruit, vegetables and herbs.

And for those struggling with the effects of lockdown, they have these words of advice: “Try to get outside each day, and please try to keep in touch with someone.”