We can’t imagine living without visiting nature and gardening. It makes us feel good. The need to connect with nature is deep inside everyone. It’s in our DNA, because we evolved for most of human history in a green world. The idea of Breathing Spaces germinated when we thought about how people get cut off from this great healer, Nature.
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The beginning
We went to talk to older people in care homes and many said they used to love gardening but, of course, they had stopped years ago when it became too difficult. But they talked about their favourite plants, fond memories of childhood and parents they helped in the garden. We visited again with vases of seasonal flowers to prompt more reminiscence and sensory delight. Then we got out the compost and seeds. People who said they couldn't possibly garden now found that, with a little help, they could. And their sense of achievement was huge. We started to meet people with dementia. Same story. We did some research and found lots of evidence that gardening in small groups can help to prevent dementia and help people to live well with dementia. In fact, it can help all sorts of people. So we made Breathing Spaces, the Community Interest Company, and two breathing spaces, our gardens in the community. |
Vision
We want to live in a town where every green space lures you in and lifts the soul, especially around places where people who are struggling with life are trying to heal. We want every doctor to be prescribing regular doses of green therapy, especially for people facing mental health challenges, dementia or social isolation. We are passionate about creating the most healing and empowering experiences we can to enable other people to live well. And we want friends, families and work colleagues to invite and help each other to get out into nature or a garden as often as possible, so that everyone lives with the pleasure and self-esteem of having three vital things: less stress purpose connection |
Claire Hunt
I was a film-maker for many years until I started to feel the need for something more earthy. I gave up my stressful job and got my Diploma in Permaculture Design, a process for designing sustainable lifestyles, habitats and communities. I worked for four years in Worthing Council's Community Wellbeing team and completed an Award in Social and Therapeutic Horticulture, validated by Thrive and Coventry University. As well as yoga and mindfulness, I now have a forest garden, a rain garden, an allotment and house plants for my own therapy. I'm interested in seasonal cooking, fermenting and natural dyeing. And I still love films. |
Lisa Leach
After studying Horticulture and Garden Design I ran a gardening business for many years and volunteered at a community allotment. I developed a deep love and passion for gardening and became aware of the many health benefits it offers. Slightly disillusioned by mainstream garden design I searched for something more meaningful and sustainable - a Permaculture Design course ticked that box perfectly. I also trained to become a Horticultural Therapist with Thrive. When not in the garden I am usually to be found in the kitchen exploring my other passion for good food, out walking or at the cinema. |
Kay Gladwin
We met Kay at the zero-waste shop Larder, where she worked. She began volunteering with us, including watering the Sid garden at weekends. We are delighted that in 2020 she wanted to become a Director and we really love all the creative ideas she has and her thoughtful responses to the natural world. We are looking forward to Kay and Vanessa running some of our nature appreciation programmes in the near future. |
Vanessa Gomez
Since my early teens protesting against bullfighting and supporting Greenpeace, I’ve always been passionate about nature and cared for the environment. I joined Breathing Spaces in December 2018 and it has become as much therapy for me as for the clients. I’m a social animal who enjoys eating out, meeting friends and walking my dog; however, on rainy days you’ll only find me indoors watching movies, reading or doing some crafts. The picture shows some of the veggies I grew at home last year! |
Ginny Hewlett
Our first Non-Executive Director from 2017-20, Ginny was a founder member of our community allotment, along with her husband Ian, who was a professional gardener. We really appreciated all their input and we wish them both well. |
We are grateful to have received donations of tools, benches, plants, seeds, compost, wood, from more people and companies than we can individually thank, but you know who you are! We have also had generous donations from families and friends of some of our clients who have passed away, and these have helped us to improve and enhance our gardens, and from others which has helped us to run special programmes. We have often been asked if we have a Giving Scheme and so we have joined Local Giving - click on this link to see more localgiving.org/charity/breathingspaces/
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