Ireland: ‘They’re lifelines’: How community gardens boost mental health and social inclusion
By creating welcoming outdoor spaces, community gardens can reduce social isolation and foster good mental health
By Sylvia Thompson
Irish Times
Dec 4, 2025
Excerpt:
The Ballymun community garden – cultivated on a neglected piece of land owned by the Catholic parish – has been in existence since 2011 with funding from Dublin City Council. Since 2023, Gap also runs the Glas community garden at the Blanchardstown campus of the Technological University of Dublin (TU Dublin) with support from TU Dublin and Fingal County Council. Plans are afoot to launch another community garden in Monaghan with Monaghan County Council and the EU Peace Plus programme.
Testimonies given by participants acknowledge the benefits of spending time in these outdoor spaces. “Since coming to this garden, my mental health has improved and my humour returned” says one. “I have anxiety issues and being here is grounding for me. It helps me be in the moment and all nationalities are equal here,” says another.
“Whether planting, watering or harvesting it’s a space of connection and togetherness where everyone can feel at home,” says Magdalena Seitz at the garden in Ballymun. “Even if I arrive in the garden not feeling my best, I leave feeling lighter and happier.”
Seitz says her eyes have been opened by listening to the experiences of many asylum seekers who come to the gardens. “I never realised how good my life was when I hear their stories of missing their homes yet wanting to stay here.”
Read the complete article here.
Source: https://cityfarmer.info/ireland-theyre-lifelines-how-community-gardens-boost-mental-health-and-social-inclusion/
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
LION'S MANE PRODUCT
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.
| Visits: | 1,755,988,703 |
| Stories: | 8,545,670 |
Whistler Blowers, Insiders
