Who We Are
DIGnity Supported Community Gardening is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to connect people with nature and to each other by enabling people to engage in their local Community Gardens. We offer a therapeutic horticulture program which enables people to improve their mental and physical wellbeing by meaningful participation in their local Community Garden.
Our Project
DIGnity gardening is a program where people from all walks of life can spend spend some time in a community garden with others. People can garden, weave or just have a cuppa. It is a model of therapeutic horticulture which is inclusive of the most vulnerable people in our community, who are often socially isolated due to mental health issues, physical disabilities, grief, or cognitive impairments. A team of health professionals, garden coordinators and artists provide informal, respectful support to people of all abilities so that they can enjoy the benefits of fresh air, gentle exercise, healthy food and social engagement. DIGnity can be accessed by anyone without fear of judgement and requires no clinical or formal assessment or referral.
Why It Matters
There is strong community support in both of our locations for the continuation of the program to sustain the enhanced social connectedness and mental health benefits which it fosters.
“I think it’s a sense of engaging with the community, we love it. The feedback, coming to DIGnity is very well liked and highly thought of, it’s a priority in our week”. (Residential Aged Care Worker)
DIGnity works with other organisations to engage participants who need our program the most. Many depend on our program as part of their strategy to improve or maintain their wellbeing. In addition, many of our regular attendees, especially those who live in residential aged care now face the additional challenge of finding COVID-safe ways of engaging with their communities.
“My mental health worker turns up at my door and we come down here and there are lots of people and the fire is going and we cook pizzas. It’s nice to come here in the sun, have a good feed and fill what would normally be a long, boring day. Plus the vitamin D is good for my depression. I really enjoy it”. (Participant)
How You Can Help
For DIGnity to continue to provide its service to at risk, vulnerable and isolated people, it requires financial support. Partly due to a reduced budget we no longer receive State Government funding and are entirely relying on small grants and donations. We need to raise this money to continue providing our valuable program.
