The power of nature
The Good Life now has a long term track record of successfully harnessing the appeal of allotment activities to attract residents who have already been identified as suffering mental ill-health and are isolated. It provides a safe and supportive environment to help them manage their mental health challenges, it draws them out of isolation and helps them become more physically active. It facilitates the growth in skills and confidence necessary for re-engaging with their local community.
Horticultural therapy has been used for many decades and research shows that there are clear mental health benefits to working outdoors and contributing to the cultivated and natural environment. Our learning through our evaluation, feedback from beneficiaries and independent research shows that beneficiaries particularly appreciate that Good Life provides a safe and secure space for them that is welcoming, non-judgmental, non-medical and unpressured. This is critical for them to start to build back their confidence, make friends and reduce their social and physical anxieties.
Many feel that before attending Good Life they had rarely left their home for many months or in some cases years. Our research confirms that Good Life is doing what it is set up to do.
Runner Up in Pride of Nelson Awards 2023
Changing Lives Through Therapeutic Horticulture
Community Leisure UK National Award 2020
Demonstrating social impact award runner up.
Mayor's Commendation Award 2019
The Good Life Project was awarded the Pendle Mayor's Commendation award for going the extra mile and making an outstanding contribution to the quality of life in Pendle.
Championing Diversity Sporta Award 2017
The Good Life Project was runner up for the recognition of outstanding achievement in sport, leisure and cultural Trusts and showcase the outstanding ability of staff to make a positive difference in their local communities.
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Good Life's Evaluation Report 2022
The Good Life has faced many challenges since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Here we look at the statistics collected during the project to find out more about what that means.
Thrive's Research
Thrive are a gardening for health national charity who have done amazing work and brought about positive changes in the lives of people living with disabilities or ill health, or who are isolated, disadvantaged or vulnerable. Read about Thrive's research on therapeutic horticulture and gardening.
