Idea in a Nutshell

In GAMH we have a Young Adult Mental Health (YAMH) service. This is a peer led daytime service which will be based in Flourish House for 16–25-year-olds experiencing mental health issues, emotional distress, loneliness and isolation. For the YAMH group we would like to run a ‘Gro Well’ Project which will provide opportunity for young people to improve their wellbeing, give them structure and purpose whilst facilitating their conversation and understanding of the link between climate, different food systems, budgeting and healthy eating. The venue (Flourish House) has indoor and outdoor space, plus allotment, Polly tunnels and kitchen space to encourage young people to seed, grow, harvest and prepare healthy food. This will not only give young people important life skills & knowledge, but the garden and garden space will also allow for therapeutic, creative and visual opportunities.

A rough timetable in discussion with some experienced staff:

• Spring to summer: seeding & growing (e.g. peas, green beans, green chillies, coriander, mint), harvesting, sourcing local food, (fairtrade), recipe creations, meal planning.
• Autumn to Winter: Fusion Food & Cultural Diversity, pickling, jams, chutneys, curds, salads, soups (use potatoes, onions, carrots, runner beans, cabbage from allotments)
• Throughout the Year: o ‘Conversations Café’ – Facilitate peer-based sessions to improve young people’s knowledge of climate change, food systems and their role in the food system.
• Life Cycle of Food Celebrations: have 2 main events for individuals using service, their families and local community to showcase learning and productivity.

The young people will be encouraged to develop a ‘Life Cycle of Food’ handbook made up of their learning, awareness, reflections from monthly groups as well as fusion recipes from products that they have grown or have been taught to grow. The workbook will be produced and distributed at our Showcase events.