PoLLeN is our pioneering social and therapeutic horticulture project.
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We are proud to have launched a portrait archive for our members.
From left clockwise: Lisa, Dave, Francis, Tony, Tanel, Sevim, Mariama, Peter Please scroll down for a selection of images from our Headscapes exhibition, launched at the Richmix Cultural Centre in October 2011 with further exhibitions planned in 2012. PoLLeN (People, Life, Landscape & Nature) is a social and therapeutic horticulture initiative funded by Ecominds and J P Getty Jnr Charitable Trust with the overall aim of improving the mental and physical wellbeing of individuals through engagement with the natural environment. The project offers a range of therapeutic horticultural and art-related activities for people experiencing stress, anxiety, panic attacks, agitation, low mood, lack of confidence or difficulty in coping with day-to-day life. Motivational coaching sessions are also offered to members of the project in which they are helped to overcome challenges and move forward positively to reach their goals. |
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Through social and therapeutic horticultural activities, people are supported to improve their mental and physical wellbeing and to gain new skills. Further, they are assisted in accessing volunteering, training and employment opportunities. Activities include food growing, park maintenance, flower growing and arranging, art and design in the landscape, off site work placements and an NPTC qualification in horticulture. PoLLeN works with General Practitioners, health professionals and local partner organisations to take referrals. Individuals may also self refer. Read project co-ordinator Lisa's recent interview with Mind: www.mind.org.uk/ecominds/success_stories For further information, please email pollen@bbbc.org.uk or telephone 020 8709 9714.
Portrait Archive The following digital images form part of a series taken by PoLLeN participant and photographer Jez C Self. These images look at the individuals' relationships with each other and their restorative relationships with nature. Each person worked with Jez in developing the composition. The portraits and testimonials reveal the personal growth achieved. |
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Crisp: "At first I 'dropped in' because with no family it was the only thing in my life close enough for me to relate to each day. Being able to talk with you in those bleak days, with your sense of openness and acceptance made all the difference. Now I think of you that much as a trusted friend that you're almost family." |
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Francis: "I wish I could do this every day" Kate: "It's a hot day, the sun is shining, what a beautiful day to do some gardening." |
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| Ron: "I whistled on my way home after the first day." | |
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| Sevim: "They said 'Go and find yourself something to do with your mind." Gardening is a good thing to do. Lisa and Peter, they are helpful." | |
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| Debbie: "Uplifting, fulfilling and satisfying." | |
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Peter: "Everyone thinks they have the best job, but they are wrong. I have. " Tony: "I really want to try to name all the trees and plants and climbers and flowers and cactus. I want to know all different fruit and veg in different worlds. I would like to build a greenhouse. I really like it because I like being here." |
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| David: "Connecting with the environment and mother nature is a refreshing and deeply satisfying experience." | |
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| Tanel: "Making new friends. Francis is helpful." | |
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| Mariama: "When you see people coming from the beginning to now sort of thing, we've flourished. You know, we've got so much better, laugh and joke, it's just a wonderful team. Everyone helps one another and everyone respects one another. To do this work in the PoLLeN garden, it's really therapeutic. It's very good for mental health." | |
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Jez: "Nature and nurture, so very close. Nurture, from French 'nouriture' or nourishment - the action or process of nuturing someone or something." The PoLLeN project certainly nurtures my mind, body and soul." |
