Community Wellness Garden Project
A ‘Community Wellness Garden’ on the UHI Perth campus has officially been opened after a grand makeover.
The official Opening Ceremony, held on 26 October 2022 was hosted by the Development Trust at UHI Perth who are managing the Community Wellness Garden initiative.
In 2021, a crowdfunding appeal was launched in conjunction with Aviva Community Fund which raised over £4,000 to begin the project. David Skinn, Distribution Director, Aviva UK GI, was invited to officially open the garden. He explained: “I’m honoured to be asked to open this new Community Wellness Garden on behalf of Aviva and all my colleagues who chose to donate to this fantastic cause. Each year, the Aviva Community Fund supports many charities throughout the UK, demonstrating that by caring more about our communities today, we can create a better tomorrow.
“Aviva has a long history in Perth, and throughout that time we have supported numerous local community initiatives, so I’m delighted that so many colleagues based here chose to back this very worthwhile project to help local people’s mental health which is so important to all of us.”
Dr Margaret Cook, UHI Perth Principal thanked the Development Trust and donors for their generous support to develop the space. She said: “The horticulture students helped establish the garden, offering them valuable learning opportunities. Enhancing our campus environment will help develop healthy mental and physical resilience in our students and staff, enabling them to succeed in their studies and careers.
“Our community will also benefit as local residents already use the excellent sports facilities at the Academy of Sport and Wellbeing (ASW), but the addition of this new garden provides an attractive outdoor seated area for them to enjoy. In addition, volunteers of all ages will be invited to help care for the space supporting them to make friends, take pride in their local community environment and connect with nature."
Fiona Leslie, Development and Alumni Relations Manager added: “We started the garden makeover back in January 2022 with the planting of two apple trees as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative, inviting people to ‘Plant Trees for the Jubilee’. We’re thrilled that the space which was previously a simple paved area situated between the ASW and the Webster building, is now a tranquil green environment space for students, staff and the local community to socialise, relax and rejuvenate. It will also enhance the existing sports facilities for exercise purposes, providing long and short term mental and physical health benefits for our community, student and staff.”
Read more about the vision behind the Community Wellness Garden
Read more about the vision behind the Community Wellness Garden
The project was developed by the Development Trust – which aims to support inspirational projects and create opportunities for UHI Perth and the wider community. The Trust is made up of volunteers from the community who are passionate about education and who want to see a thriving institution in the local community.
The Project
Each year over 800 students at UHI Perth are recorded as having mental health issues – likely with many more going undetected. To address this issue and the wellbeing of all our students, staff and the local residents, we set out to create a community wellness garden which we believed would enhance the existing sports facilities and provides space to relax, reflect and rejuvenate, subsequently improving health and care practices. We saw the garden playing a pivotal role in the wellbeing of both the College and the wider community helping to improve the quality of life for users.
Breaks from studies, meetings, lunch hours and evening relaxation could be spent enjoying the benefits of the garden gathering thoughts and renewing energy. The proposed cafe area would provide an excellent space to be with others and would enhance the garden's sense of community.
Enhancing the Student Experience
The garden was created by horticultural students, providing work-based study, learning and employment opportunities. Once established, students and staff would have the opportunity to volunteer to look after the garden, giving them the chance to take a pride in their local community.
Exercise and Interaction
The proposed decking area would provide a space for exercise social interaction and events, creating opportunities for health and wellbeing. Regular Yoga and Tai Chi classes will be timetabled to explore the mind body and spirit and a range of health and beauty treatments will also be available.
Pressures on young people and society are well documented, increased and amplified by the pandemic. As young people strive to make their way in today's world, balancing the pressures of study, finance and job prospects is extremely challenging. Enhancing the campus environment with an accessible sanctuary will address these challenges, help students stay on course and benefit the health and wellbeing of the community.
How can I still get involved?
How can I still get involved?
A gift of £20 or More
Acknowledgement on Donor Tree
Every gift of £15 and more will be eligible to put their name on a leaf in our donor tree. This will show that you have contributed to making the community a better place.
A gift of £25 or More
Fitness Session
By donating £20 you can enjoy a free session at one of our fitness classes in the Academy of Sport and Wellbeing.
A gift of £30 or More
Beauty Treatment
By donating £30 you can enjoy a free Beauty Session in our training salon: The Retreat
A gift of £500 or More
Name a Bench in the Garden
Why not select your favourite spot in the garden and buy a bench. By donating £500 you can add your name or a dedication to a plaque on the bench.
Contact alison.wilson@uhi.ac.uk to find out more.