Our Garden Gate Group is a free 2 hour session on Friday mornings, 10.30am-12.30pm, for people who feel that a community gardening experience may help them in their time of loss.
We don’t provide 1:2:1 therapy, or talking therapy in the traditional sense. Instead, we offer activities we hope will make you feel better alongside people who understand how you feel.
For more information about joining, email: gardengate@communigrow.org.uk
Communigrow Trustee and local GP, Dr Becky Prince says:
“Therapeutic gardening has proven positive effects on both physical and psychological well-being.
Being active outdoors, amongst nature and other people, is hugely beneficial.
I am really looking forward to seeing the impact our Garden Gate bereavement group has on the people who join.”
The group will be supported by Richard King, a qualified counsellor and CBT Therapist who currently works within primary care mental health services.
Richard has also spent time as a volunteer counsellor for both Cruse Bereavement Care and the Heart of Kent Hospice.
Richard joined the Communigrow volunteer team, motivated by the healing power of nature and the health benefits of growing your own food.
This group has been funded by people for people in our first ever crowdfunder, enabling us to provide this free support from January 2025.
Chris’s story:
“When my wife passed away in November 2023 I joined a bereavement group called Friends Together. They arranged a trip to Communigrow in East Malling where we had a great day.
I was invited to become a Communigrow volunteer.
Coming to Communigrow gives me a sense of purpose. The people are fantastic and every week we have a variety of jobs to do. I would recommend Communigrow to anyone who finds themselves in the same position as I was”
For more information about joining, email: gardengate@communigrow.org.uk
View our Garden Gate Group brochure here