A Healthy Harvest: local GP hosts growing project to boost health and wellbeing
Today we are shining a spotlight on a new project in Barnet for growing food and community.
What is the project?
Millway Medical Practice have announced a new allotment site at Mill Hill Allotments, a 2-minute walk from the surgery.
The new space will give patients and local volunteers a great opportunity to grow food, their circle of friends and promote healthy living.
Project leader, Dr Daniela Amasanti DeBono, says that after seeing other “growing projects like community farms and greening in other parts of London”, she, and staff volunteers were inspired to do the same.
Projects like these show multiple benefits for social inclusion, encouraging physical activity and improving mental health.
Supporting patients
The site will be open for patients from the practice, who need to get more physical activity or are struggling with their well-being but might not want to access more formal support.
Dr DeBono explains, “GPs and staff can offer it as a low-key option for someone that say, doesn’t want to join a gym or have a befriender. We can say to them, hey look, we have this project ‘round the corner…”
Results from similar projects have found that the patients who garden are asking for fewer doctor’s appointments.
The site also plans to focus on healthy eating by growing fruit and vegetables and linking to other resources like recipes and cooking. Berries recently picked from bramble bushes at the allotment were shared at the practice and were a big hit!
Exciting planting is now underway at the site with a member from our last year’s Training Community Growing Leaders Project having signed up to volunteer. If you are interested in becoming a regular volunteer at the Millway Allotment, contact: daniela.amasanti-debono@nhs.net.
To check out important updates, see Food growing opportunities | Your Health Barnet