New Garden Aims to Enhance Wellbeing and Reduce Isolation
A new garden dedicated to improving the wellbeing of residents and addressing social isolation is set to open in Yarm.
The outdoor space at Yarm Wellness, located at the corner of West Street and High Church Wynd, will officially welcome the public at 13:30 BST on Saturday.
Volunteer Shares Personal Experience
Linda Fisher, a 68-year-old volunteer, discovered the wellness hub two years ago during a period when she felt "socially isolated." She believes the garden will serve as an "ice-breaker for people walking past."
Design and Features of the Community Garden
The community garden, which remains a work in progress, will consist of three distinct areas. These include raised plant beds designed with disabled access, flower beds, and benches for visitors.
Linda Fisher's Journey to the Wellness Centre
Fisher spent many years caring for her family and working long hours in healthcare during the Covid-19 lockdown. After retiring, she found herself "not knowing anybody." Despite five initial attempts to connect with the charity being hindered by low confidence, she was eventually invited to the wellness hub, an experience she describes as life-changing.
Since becoming a volunteer, Fisher has formed new friendships and no longer feels "alone."
"I've got my group of friends now and an amazing community in Yarm who I mostly met through the Wellness centre," she said.
"[The garden] is going to be transformational.
"I'm looking forward to growing things, it's good for your mental health."
Wellness Centre Activities and New Outdoor Area
The centre offers a weekly programme that includes peer support groups, drop-in cafés, creative and musical sessions, and wellbeing classes.
The new outdoor area, developed on adjacent arches secured from Network Rail, will expand the centre's offerings. It will feature a Wellness Shed project, a sensory garden with raised beds, and an outdoor space for yoga and mindfulness.
Volunteer Richard Barker Highlights Importance of the Centre
Richard Barker, 82, who leads the centre's Creative Art for Wellness session, shared his personal story. Having lost his wife 13 years ago and with his children moving away for work, he described the facility as a "lifeline."
"It gave me a purpose in life to actually get out and do things," he said.
The former electrical engineer expressed enthusiasm about the new garden:
"I can't wait to sit outside, I would love to see the plants growing."
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