News Release, 20 May 2003
The Mental Health Foundation, which launched a brand new rose named Well-Being at this year's Chelsea Flower Show, is calling on everyone to don their gardening gloves to help protect their mental health and well-being this spring.
Toby Williamson, Head of Strategies for Living at the Mental Health Foundation, said: "Our groundbreaking report Strategies for Living shows that pastimes such as gardening can help people to cope with mental health problems. Gardening can improve self-esteem and confidence, help people to meet new friends and give them a sense of purpose. Now that the summer is nearly here, there is no better time to improve your mental health than by getting out in the garden or going down to the allotment."
Let's get physical
Gardening is a form of moderate exercise, which has been shown to improve mild to moderate depression quickly and effectively.
Don't worry, be happy
Recent research at the University of Florida has found that just walking around a botanical garden helps lower people's stress levels.
Meeting people
If you opt for an allotment it can bring you into contact with other people. Research from the Mental Health Foundation has found that friends offer effective support to people who are affected by mental health problems. Socialising can also boost self-esteem and protect people from developing mental health problems.
Stress-free gardening
A recent report into work-life balance, Whose Life is it Anyway? from the Mental Health Foundation revealed that 41 per cent of respondents were sacrificing their hobbies and pastimes by working too long. This can increase the risk of developing mental health problems. So protect your mental health by taking up one of the nation's favourite hobbies this year.
Return to news releases 2003
For further information and interview requests contact please contact the press office on 020 7803 1105 / 1128 or email the press office
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