Northern Ireland
DGS operates on a Hub and Spoke model overseen by a regional co-ordinator based in the NI Veterans Support Office in Belfast. 3 Hub Gardens are established and a network of 9 Spoke gardens will be developed in 2021.
Charlie Marno, the regional co-ordinator gave a recent interview to BFBS Radio which you can listen to here.
In January 2021, DGS at Brooke House and Ashes to Gold was accredited by the John Muir Trust. As a result, clients will be awarded the John Muir. Discovery Award on completion of the programme.
Gardens and Partners
“I am so proud that Brooke House was at the forefront of setting up the Defence Gardens Scheme. We were privileged to be chosen as the pilot charity and we have worked together on clinical and vocational developments to the programme. ”
Colebrooke Walled Garden, Co Fermanagh
Brooke House Health and Wellbeing Centre continues to lead programme design with client input. Dougal the Head Gardener and Anja who is an EcoTherapist practice within a traditional large walled kitchen garden. Progression from the course is supported by an experienced veteran ensures each client has a clear progression plan. Opportunities range from volunteering to retraining and can lead to PT or FT employment or self- employment.
Ashes to Gold, Co Londonderry
Ashes to Gold are the delivery partner in Coleraine, on a wonderful 10-acre site. The landscaped paths, a lake and forest as well as dedicated polytunnels provide every facility for a wide range of nature based therapy options.
Brett who runs the garden and Deborah who works with him on the DGS Programme look forward to welcoming you to Ashes.
Summer 2021
Veterans on the first coming out of lockdown DGS programme at Ashes to Gold in Coleraine, have created a stunning ‘legacy’ project for the benefit of current and future veterans.
The Positive Pathways Funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Trust makes all this possible.
People, Place and Purpose
The Group at Ashes in Spring 22, started to record their efforts with a wonderful display board based on the DGS philosophy that one of the benefits of nature-based therapy is to bring together People, Place and Purpose.
Thiepval Barracks, Lisburn
Thiepval Barracks is home to a DGS garden that provides a range of nature-based therapy options. The team is particularly keen to involve families and children and will be consulting with families to find out when and how best to offer courses and workshops that fit around existing commitments.
Service leavers who would like to take nature-based therapy further, can be referred to the 2 community hub gardens at Colebrooke or at Ashes to Gold near Coleraine.