Time For Some Mental Weeding: New Uni Allotments Combat Student Stress

Time for some mental weeding: New University allotments combat student stress

Aleyna Adamson speaks to UoN’s Health and Wellbeing Officer about a new University initiative uniting gardening and student mental health.

We all know that, unfortunately, the outdoor space that comes with the typical student house is notorious for being cripplingly small and paved within an inch of the garden boundaries. Translation: not many students have the opportunity to get out gardening.

So, in response, Cripps Health Centre at the University of Nottingham have devised a brilliant idea to encourage students to spend more time outside. Namely, a garden allotment on the land behind Cripps available for students to use.

Speaking with Impact, Emma Swearman, the Health and Wellbeing Officer at the University of Nottingham, explained that “the allotment is to help patients struggling with their mental health, isolation and loneliness, or just wanting to get active whilst being around nature.”

We have seen lots of patients, students and international students, especially during Covid, who have been extremely isolated. I think many people will benefit from having a space on campus where they can be active and meet others without needing to be part of a society.”

Emma explained that she has been working with the University counselling service to “arrange group gardening sessions for students struggling with their mental health”. Cripps will also be running their own sessions through the Health and Wellbeing team for those not involved with the University counselling service.

The allotment will be planned, created and maintained by students and patients. Funding means there can be new additions made to the ten raised beds and planters, and the planned shed that will all be disability accessible. Emma advertises the need for help planting, watering, feeding and weeding.

And, the allotment is just getting started. Expansion and development is already being planned as time progresses and interest increases. This includes additions such as a bug hotel, a bee hive, a compost bin, and sensory elements like wind chimes and scented flowers. “We would like as many students to get involved as possible,” Emma exclaimed, and urged anyone who is interested to contact her by email at emma.swearman@ nhs.net .

By Aleyna Adamson Page Design by Chiara Crompton