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Roots Service

Cultivate | Nurture | Sustain

About Roots

Roots service is a unique initiative aimed at promoting mental health recovery through gardening. The service is delivered by a team of volunteers affected by mental ill health and supervised by a Help & Care Garden Services Worker.

It uses gardening as a safe and secure place to develop one’s ability to mix socially, make friends and learn practical skills that will help them to be more independent and enhance mental wellbeing.

No gardening experience is needed, and participation is offered on both a one-to-one basis and small group basis.

The service has been in operation since 1989 and was the first practical service developed by Help & Care. Roots launched as a social enterprise in 2010. Based on an NHS site in Bournemouth, Roots provides services in Bournemouth and Poole.

                                            How Roots Helps People

 Improving health and wellbeing are at the heart of Roots Service.  Roots cultivates, nurtures and sustains people affected by mental ill health in the joint purpose of cultivating local gardens of those who cannot do it for themselves and the development of community spaces, by recognising the importance of wellbeing through gardening.

Evidence suggests there are 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing. Trying any of these things could help you feel more positive:

  • Connect – Become part of a team where you can work together, at your own pace, in a relaxed outdoor environment and make social connections as you work alongside others.  
     
  • Get Active - Gardening is a physical activity – at Roots you are encouraged to work at your own level of fitness and feel the benefit of being active outdoors.   

  • Learn - Have a chance to get a routine, self-manage and gain skills in gardening and teamwork as you feel ready, try something new!   

  • Give - To give your time and energy transforming gardens and outdoor spaces for people who are less able in your local community. 
      
  • Take Notice - Be in an outdoor space where you can notice the environment around you and recognise your achievements each day.   

                                        Volunteering with Roots provides opportunities in all 5 steps.

Volunteer With Us!

Engaging with nature and participating in gardening activities can significantly reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall wellbeing.

Each volunteer is part of a supportive community where they can learn, grow, and thrive. Under the guidance of our trained supervisors, volunteers undertake various gardening tasks that contribute to their mental health journey. 

 

If you would like to make a referral for a volunteer or would like to know more,  please call us on 0300 111 3303 and leave a message or email us at roots@helpandcare.org.uk 

                                        Support Our Work

Fundraise for Roots

Every year Help & Care receives fundraised income from people choosing to support the Roots project by running in the London Marathon. You can read more about fundraising with Help & Care and getting involved in the London Marathon here.

Every penny raised by our runners goes directly to supporting the continuation of the Roots project.


 

 

 

Legacy Gifts

Leaving a legacy gift in your will ensures that our commitment to improving mental health and community support lives on. Your legacy can help us maintain and expand our service, making a lasting impact.

 

General Donations

Every donation, big or small, directly supports our ongoing projects. Your generosity allows us to provide essential services, ensuring the well-being of those in need.

Together, we can make a difference. For more information on how to donate or include a legacy gift, please contact us at roots@helpandcare.org.uk

If you are an organisation that provides gardening tools and would like to donate some to us, please contact: roots@helpandcare.org.uk

 

To find out more about Roots please contact the team.

Call: 0300 111 3303

Email: roots@helpandcare.org.uk 

Read our stories…

Meet our Fundraisers

Runners are taking part in this year's London Marathon to raise funds for Help & Care. Find out more and donate!Read more.

Dan's story - Recovering from depression and anxiety

Dan joined Roots when he was eighteen, and since then he has been a volunteer for three years.Read more.

Peter’s story – Volunteering at Roots

Peter is in his forties and has been volunteering at Roots for two years. Roots has helped him recover from mental health illness and feel more positive about life.Read more.

Ann's story - Recovering from depression with Roots

Ann joined Help & Care’s Roots Service while she was recovering from severe depression. After two years of volunteering for Help & Care, Ann was offered a permanent job at the social enterprise.Read more.

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