The allotment will have an area of flowers representing the five stages of grief.
An allotment created by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT) has been backed by TV gardener Alan Titchmarsh.
The allotment helps veterans with mental health conditions, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), by giving them the chance to take part in a new allotment therapy to support their mental health and wellbeing.
Within the allotment, there will be an area of flowers representing the five stages of grief, to mark of the process of recovery many veterans go through after leaving the armed forces.
In order to get some advice on the best flowers to use for the display, one of the volunteers involved in the project, former RAF firefighter Mark Eyres, wrote to TV gardener Alan Titchmarsh MBE.
Mark said: “I was tickled pink when I heard back from Alan – I have always respected him, I used to watch him on Ground Force. I was so chuffed that he recognised the value of this project.
“I can’t wait to get more stuck in now. We are going to start by growing easy things such as onions, strawberries, rhubarb, peas, potatoes, carrots, onions, Brussel sprouts and runner beans. Let’s see if we can do Alan proud!”
“I’m still on my own journey with my mental health but so far, this project has really helped me and my mental health is going from strength to strength. It’s not just a piece of land; it’s somewhere to go on dark days. It offers you peace and quiet, friendship but also to be able to do something positive for others.
“It’s a great way to feel accepted and needed. The allotment neighbours are only too happy to give their advice and experience and by giving back what we grow, veterans will see just how good it feels to give back to the community.
“It has given me a purpose to help myself and others. It’s exciting – it gives me a reason to get up. I go down there and I get stuck in. It’s getting me mentally and physically stronger.”
The allotment site has been cleared and made ready to use, including adaptions such as raised beds and new paths for wheelchair access.
Brendan Daly, LPT’s armed forces lead, said: “We were so excited to hear from Mr Titchmarsh and to have his backing. We are really hopeful this project will be a big success as there are so many elements that we know can help people’s wellbeing coming together into one experience.”
For more information about LPT’s support for ex-service personnel, please visit www.leicspart.nhs.uk/about/corporate-responsibilities/supporting-serving-and-ex-service-personnel/ .
To find out more or register to be a part of the allotment project, please email lpt.armedforces@nhs.net
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