North Swindon MP joined community gardeners in Tadpole Garden Village to open a new Community Greenhouse and learn about their work to promote mental health awareness.
The Open Plot event was organised by Tadpole Garden Village in Bloom, a group of volunteers who run the allotments at Tadpole Garden Village (TGV) and help maintain green spaces around TGV.
Justin officially opened their new community greenhouse which is a brilliant addition to the allotments. The greenhouse and allotments were designed with accessibility in mind to enable people with reduced mobility to participate and enjoy the benefits of gardening, something that as Minister for Disabled people Justin was very keen to see.
The event was also a great opportunity to raise money for good causes such as the Motor-Neurone Disease Association.
TGV In Bloom have ambitious plans for the future, including: training in mental health first aid, so that they can also be fully utilised to support good mental health; and teaching local youngsters about growing flowers and plants, but also fruit and veg and promoting awareness of a healthy diet.
Justin Tomlinson said: “The TGV in Bloom volunteers are a real credit to their community and it’s so great to see a relatively new development getting together and creating such positivity and providing help to others. The event was a reminder of how important being in nature it for your mental health, taking the time to relax and reflect. I am very excited about the groups future plans, and look forward to hearing how they progress.”
