Group gardening for fitness
The School of Health Professions has teamed up with Eastbourne Homes, Age Concern and Fit As A Fiddle to help residents at Riverbourne House in Eastbourne set up their own gardening group and stay fit in the process.
The has already established a colourful and aromatic herb garden, and members have now set their sights on cultivating the disused warden's garden.
Armed with shears, hoes, secateurs and a tonne of enthusiasm, the club has cleared this area ready for a fruit and veg patch.
The project is led by Tania Wiseman, senior lecturer in occupational therapy at the School of Health Professions, with support from the Fit As A Fiddle project.
"It's been great building a partnership with Eastbourne Homes and Age Concern," Tania explained. "This project has been such a success that both organisations are keen to support further projects.
"The older people in the gardening group are so inspiring. All too often students only see older people in ill health. Whilst this group live in sheltered housing and have their share of health concerns, I have never seen an overgrown garden cleared so vigorously and with such a lot of laughter. They really love growing their own – and due to some enthusiastic seed planting have a Brussels sprouts seedlings mountain!
"One of the residents has even started leading additional gardening sessions in between the planned ones so it looks like it is going to be an independent group very soon."
Jean Mayfield, one of the members, said, "I love our sessions in the garden.
"It is great fun being out with my friends, and each week you can see the progress we have made.
"It is generating interest from other members in the scheme, who are pleasantly surprised by our work."
Kevin Pearce-Biggs, the social engagement office for Eastbourne Homes, said, "Due to the success of the project, all partners would like to replicate the project in more housing schemes."
The Fit As A Fiddle programme is supported by The National Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund and is designed to help older people live healthier, more active and fulfilling lives. The programme will be working in partnership within the community to deliver a range of courses in physical activity, health eating and healthy lifestyles to older people throughout the south-east.
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