
The Food Partnership runs therapeutic gardening activities in a range of spaces, including:
* ‘Growing New Roots’ ecotherapy groups at various locations on the South Downs including Seven Sisters Country Park (East Sussex) and Truleigh Hill (near Shoreham, West Sussex) – part of the Changing Chalk project with the National Trust
* ‘Roots & Boots’ ecotherapy group for adults in recovery from addiction – at Stanmer Wellbeing Gardens, Brighton
* Preston Park Community Garden
* Saunders Park Edible Garden (near Lewes Road, East Brighton)
* The Garden House off Ditchling Road – for the dementia-friendly gardening groups
Gardening groups for older people and those living with dementia use nature and the growing of plants to create meaningful social interactions for those who may be experiencing social isolation. Some courses are more focused on learning key food growing skills, while the dementia programme includes gentler activities to stimulate conversation and connection between volunteers and participants.
All programmes have in-built flexibility to accommodate both the individual’s and the group’s needs. Example activities include: seed saving and sowing, transplanting seedlings and harvesting flowers, fruit and vegetables. Sessions are relaxed and informal to create a welcoming and supportive atmosphere.

Type of activities:
Food growing / Cookery / Creative and arts / Ecotherapy

Specialist client experience:
Older people and those living with dementia. Mental ill health. Addiction recovery.

“Coming here makes my day, you people are so kind to me and this is the garden of my dreams.”
– Dementia friendly gardening participant –
Location
Various outdoor locations, including Downland locations, Preston Park community garden, Saunders Park edible garden and the Garden House on Ditchling Road.
Contact
Project info
Transport provided:
None
Public transport and parking:
Various buses run to our main sites, see buses.co.uk
Drop-in:
Yes (Saunders Park only)
Time-limited course:
Yes
Availability:
Wednesdays and Thursdays
Facilities:
Toilet available at all sites. Indoor space is available at the Garden House and wheelchair access available at Preston Park. Refreshments are provided at every session.

Member projects
Brighton & Hove Food Partnership
Therapeutic gardening groups in Brighton & the South Downs, including activities for those living with mental health difficulties & dementia.
Centre for Ecotherapy
Therapeutic gardening project in Stanmer Park, Brighton.
Grow
Grow offers people the chance to enjoy the beautiful, local countryside in a friendly and supportive group with locations across Sussex.
Plot 22
Plot 22 is a community allotment, a food growing project and therapeutic garden in Hove.
Rock Farm
Rock Farm is a working market garden, community space and horticultural therapy project on a 6-acre site near Steyning.
Sacred Earth
A community-owned land project near Horam, East Sussex that is dedicated to life, learning and working in harmony with nature.
Circle of Life Rediscovery
This project outside Lewes, East Sussex aims to transform education, health and families through nature.
The Plot (Stanmer Park)
A community-led sanctuary space for sharing and nurturing creativity, community spirit and connection.
The Wild Mind Project
Providing emotional and mental wellbeing support to young people through nature activities combined with creative activities.
Living Vital
Living Vital are an organic food growing community garden located at the back of Stanmer Park in Brighton.
Wild Gathering CiC
They create and facilitate nature connection health and wellbeing workshop programmes, events, and guided mindful walks.
Rainbow CommUnity Projects CIC
A non-profit organization which aims at reconnecting people to nature and to each other
Hearts and Flowers
Samphire Brighton & Hove CIC informs and educates people in sustainable and organic flower growing.