Testimonials
“The work of the Defence Gardens Scheme has completely transformed the efficacy of horticultural therapy in Northern Ireland. While horticultural therapy has been available in Northern Ireland from a small number of discrete charities, never before has the intervention been joined up in such a holistic and standardised way with veterans’ needs at the heart of it”
‘Amazing to see the garden developing through each season and I cannot believe a year has gone by since members of RNRC Hasler and I first stepped foot into the world of DGS.
A huge thank you to the team for their continued support for the guys and girls from the Recovery Centre and I look forward to shoehorning myself away from my desk and seeing how everything has progressed.
Very privileged to be a part of this scheme, long may it continue - Great support, Great programme and Great team 🙌🏼👏….oh….and Great hotdogs 🌭🔥’
Capt Matt Seymour- Officer Commanding Hasler Recovery Centre
A Sample Session: Session 5
Caring for a Vegetable Plot through the Seasons
Each session uses the same format for a three hour session. This is the fifth of ten sessions where participants will use the preparation and care of a new vegetable plot as a baseline to explore the importance of self-care, while remembering that everyone is an individual and has their own needs. This session also starts preparation for progression post the programme.
Part One - Group Check In: Wellbeing Thermometer; Discussion of progression and progression interviews.
Part Two - Practical activity: Feed plants, mulch soil, stake plants, pest disease control, plant recording and plot management.
Part Three - Journal; Awareness and reflection.
Closure - Debrief; Wellbeing Thermometer.
‘I am overjoyed to say, the delivery team have brought a very gentle but effective start to the course. From day one, there was a real sense of it being a "safe place" for the veterans’
Peter Finch, Project Manager, Ashes to Gold May 2021
Testimonials:
2019
‘Felt it was brilliant as it gave a sense of purpose and a place to go. It’s easy to get caught in a rut and by being in a safe place with people of a similar background (i.e. military), helped immensely as it is a great therapy to be outside and meet up with old comrades. Still keep in contact with most of the course and have continued to develop gardening skills and produce veg for the wider community.’
‘Felt the course was great/very good. Immense comradeship between participants, whilst they did not know each other before, they are all from the same background.’
‘Trust is very important, and good to know others are from a similar background.’
‘Delivered outside and in an environment we can relate too, i.e. cut the lawns and pottered about the garden before, but didn’t have any real skill. Do now and continue to try new things in the garden.’
2020
‘Helps with my head.’
‘Never grown things before, but like flowers.’
‘Feels good being outside/good to get space and help calm down.’
‘Like been outdoors and look forward to the gardening.’
‘Been aware of what mindfulness is and that they do it/ it’s good for the head.’
‘Enjoy the sessions/ getting hands dirty/ never sowed seeds before/ enjoyed getting away from work for the day/ enjoyed the day.’
‘Glad I have come today.’
‘Great social side, lots of craic, great banter. '
‘Nice to be among the group and enjoyed being part of a team. I really enjoyed the day and do hate it coming to an end and wish I could stay till 5pm.’
2021
‘Didn’t expect to learn so much here and I’m looking forward to next week.’
‘I’m glad to come to the garden as it gives me something to do every week. It gets me out and about.’
‘I am so enjoying coming as it’s a nice and relaxing place. I love the outdoors. It’s so nice to be around people who get me, and I feel better for coming today.’
‘I wish it was longer as I don’t want this to end.’
‘I really enjoyed the day and I found it good to be among people who gets where I’m coming from, I can speak about my past without worrying what people will think. I feel safe.’
‘I enjoyed the day and activity, a good day with the group.’
‘Really enjoyed the day and it was fun. Nice group of people and it’s good to open up and feel safe.’
Ashes to Gold Group Feedback 2022
‘We had another great day at Ashes to Gold. One Veteran was absent as he is enroute from his trip to Poland. A second veteran was spending his last week of this program with us. He was the Veteran who felt ‘cut off’, he did the cuttings session in week 2 with and has since reported ‘feeling transplanted.’ He was made redundant and quickly found a new job, so can no longer attend, however he was sad to leave us and the support he has felt. He was reassured him he could join another group if would like to. He also wants to train to work in horticulture and assured of on going support from the DGS. He has a positive attitude and describes the course as a ‘game changing’ and realises ‘nothing is impossible now’. Our veteran who was distressed has become assertive and has a clear plan to move forward in his life which is ‘opening up like a flower’, this course has been a crutch’. Another Veteran finds she is coping better with a grandchild who is ADHD. Another lady is feeling grateful and enjoyed giving back to the community. Finally, the Veteran who is grieving is enjoying his garden, joined a bowling club and making new friends; in particular a gentleman in the same situation and they empathise with each other’
DGS Programme Delivery Team April 2022.
