Good Mood Garden launches in partnership with Earth & Mind

We’re bringing our garden at Barrere House, Cambridge to life thanks to a generous donation, creating a welcoming outdoor space to support wellbeing and positive mental health.

Over the next six months, we’ll be working with Emma Lacy from Earth and Mind to develop the garden, with monthly sessions offering opportunities for staff, volunteers and the people we support to enjoy nature, get involved in gardening and connect with others.

On 29th October, we kicked the project off by bringing together staff from across the organisation to roll up their sleeves and get stuck into tidying the garden and cutting back overgrown areas.

It was a great first step towards making better use of our outdoor space and creating a welcoming environment that supports wellbeing, positive mental health and connection. We’re looking forward to seeing how the garden develops over the coming months!

Emma Lacy, Founder & CEO of Earth and Mind said: “The Good Mood Garden is a place for people to come and connect with nature through gardening, and the project will help to create a beautiful space for people supported by CPSL Mind and staff and volunteer teams. Gardening is therapeutic, it’s very mindful. It helps us to reflect and process things in our life but it also helps us to take our mind off things as well. The vision for the new garden is: ‘Our garden is a little sanctuary where people can take time to reflect and reconnect with their senses whilst grounded in nature. We aim to provide a safe, nurturing space where people and nature can grow.’ I’m really looking forward to meeting local people and continuing the partnership with CPSL Mind.”

Allan Hughes, Co-Production Lead at CPSL Mind, said: “The Good Mood Garden is a new addition to the Good Life Service, which has recently re-launched and it’s great. People can come along, volunteer their time and get involved in a bit of gardening to improve their health and wellbeing. It’s really good to collaborate with local charities such as Earth and Mind to better support people in Cambridgeshire.”

Next session is 26th November, 1.30pm–3.30pm. Everyone is welcome to get involved, whether you can make one session or join us regularly! Register your interest here

Now that the clocks have gone back, the days are getting shorter and the weather is getting colder, it’s important to look after our mental wellbeing. 🍂💙

Small things can make a big difference, from getting some daylight and staying connected with others to finding activities you enjoy and making time to rest.

Look after your mental health his autumn

– Be kind to yourself and remember that you don’t have to do everything at once.
– Try to get outside during daylight hours, even for a few minutes.
– Make time for the people who help you feel good, whether that’s meeting up or having a quick chat.
– Notice the small things that lift your spirits, from the colours of autumn leaves to a cosy evening at home.
– Check in with yourself and notice when you might need a little extra support.

Everyone experiences the changing seasons differently, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to wellbeing. If you’re finding things difficult, you’re not alone, and support is available.

CPSL Mind is here for you. 💙