Our Garden Gate Bereavement Recovery Group is a free 2-hour session on Friday mornings, 10am-12pm, 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: info@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 is supported by Laurie Bracken-White, an experienced Psychotherapeutic Counsellor and registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
Drawing on a person-centred, and integrative approach, Laurie strives to create a warm, supportive space where individuals can connect with themselves through nature-based experiences.
His work combines the healing potential of the natural environment with therapeutic principles to support wellbeing, personal growth, and emotional resilience.
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