Welcome to
Abbey Physic Community Garden
Helping our members and the wider public maintain or improve their physical and mental health and wellbeing, build diverse skills and confidence, reduce social isolation and connect with their community. Through our commitment to equality and diversity and provision of inclusive services and support we aim to break down the stigma of mental ill health and build understanding and empathy.
Garden News
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We rely on donations
Email or visit our social media links for other news, comments and event updates.
A Garden For Everyone
Celebrating 30 years in the community – Nominated for the Kings Award for volunteering services 2024
Welcome to our garden!
At the Abbey Physic Community Garden our aim is to help people improve their physical and mental health and wellbeing. Over the last 30 years we have encouraged people to build skills and confidence, reduce loneliness, and connect with their community. We aim to break down the stigma of mental ill health and build understanding and empathy.
We hope there is something for everyone here, whether you would like to do some gardening, meet and spend time with people, join in with a group or activity, or just find a quiet corner to relax in nature.
We are open Monday – Friday 10am,-3pm, Sunday – 11am-2pm
If you have any questions or comments, please get in touch at 01795 539915 or at communitygarden@abbeyphysic.org.We look forward to hearing from you.
What we do
Click the orange buttons below to find out more
We are an award winning garden maintained by volunteers. We are always looking for more garden volunteers – do get in touch if you think you can help! In the garden you will find inspiration and examples of permaculture gardening.
We run a series of 6-week courses throughout the year. If you are interested in attending please get in touch. Our courses are usually free to our members and no prior skills are needed.
We use our organically grown ingredients in our kitchen to create nourishing and affordable meals (Mon-Fri).
Our Men’s Shed is about building friendships, whilst gaining confidence and woodworking skills in a relaxed environment.
There are a huge range of activities that happen in the garden including.
Keep up with all of the latest news from the garden, find out about activities, groups, and upcoming events by following us on Facebook and Instagram
If you have any questions or comments, please get in touch at 01795 539915 or at communitygarden@abbeyphysic.org.
Growing a Healthy Community
What we offer
The APCG offers a healing space for all, regardless of age, culture or ability.
- We help breakdown social isolation through informal networking by providing a space to meet casually, to relax and de-stress.
- Participation can support members improve their ability to manage thoughts, emotions and build social relationships.
- Improve confidence to support members natural ability to learn and acquire skills, ultimately enabling full participation in their community.
- We focus on the Garden’s ability to affect good mental and physical health.
Who we are for
We actively support people isolated by their mental or physical health, or social and economic disadvantage, and we give them a community to feel a part of.
For many people it is a delightful destination during a pleasant day out. For others who take a different path to the Physic Garden, it is a far more meaningful place.
You will find a peaceful refuge from a life outside which may be chaotic or troubled.
The benefits that people gain include social connections, self-confidence, physical and emotional well-being, and not least the simple knowledge that people care for them.
We work in partnership with many local groups and organisations.
Why we are needed
We know the statistic of 1 in 4 experiencing mental health issues, and we know rates of self-harm in the UK are the highest in Europe.
We also know that people with mental health issues are amongst the least likely of any group with long-term mental health issues to:
- Find work
- Be in a long-term relationship
- Live in decent housing
- Be socially included in mainstream society
Research from Time to Change shows the best way to challenge discrimination and stereotypes is through first-hand contact with people with experience of mental health issues.
That is why we are open to everyone, the wider community, schools and groups, over 5,000 visitors a year.
Come and see us!
It’s a nice place to be
