Nestled within the shadow of Scrabo Tower, the South Eastern Trust’s allotments have been described as a “community” by the ‘green fingered’ staff members who plant, seed and tend to the site.
The allotment initiative was born from the Trust’s Staff Health and Wellbeing team as a chance for staff to connect with nature and ‘grow your own’.
South Eastern Trust Clerical Officer Michelle Agnew explained how an email from the Health and Well Being team sparked her interest and how her participation at the allotment site has led to firm friendships. “I was quite nervous initially about coming along to the site. I love gardening and I love growing flowers. I really love it here and I’m learning all the time from the other people who have their allotment here. I get great satisfaction from seeing what I have planted come on. I’ve even had my daughter come down to see what it is all about. I would really, really recommend becoming a volunteer, I get so much out of it,” said Michelle.
Healthcare Assistant Lesley McCrum described how, “Time just flies here at the allotment, there is a real sense of calm.” Through her passion for gardening and attending the allotment, Lesley and Michelle bonded and “just clicked” from their initial meeting.
“The allotment has been amazing for friendships,” added Lesley. “I walk out from the allotment feeling refreshed, we have a cup of tea and a chat. I just go home singing.”
Lesley continued, “It is a real community here. You can just sit and watch, do as little on the land or as much as you want. Everybody here has helped me. For any staff who want to try something new, I would highly recommend it – definitely give it a go.”
Staff Health and Well-being Coordinator Aidan Burns shared how the allotment continues to “flourish.”
Aidan commented, “Staff Health and Wellbeing purchased a plot at the allotments a number of years ago now and it has grown from strength to strength thanks to the fantastic team work of our staff volunteers who manage the plot. A lot of hard work and dedication has gone into getting it to this stage and I want to thank all the staff who volunteer here. The site looks brilliant.
“Our allotments link closely to the ‘Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing’ framework, as they encourage people to connect by fostering community, reducing loneliness, and building a sense of belonging, while the physical activity of digging, planting, and harvesting helps people be active and support both body and mind.
“Being involved in the allotments also prompts staff to take notice of the seasons, wildlife, and growth around them, promoting mindfulness and reducing stress. Our staff are continually learning through planting new crops, composting, harvesting, and sharing tips, and they often give back by sharing produce, seeds, or knowledge with others, creating a sense of purpose and strengthening social bonds.”
For more information on the allotments or how to become involved email: staffhealthandwellbeing@setrust.hscni.net