Garden space project for people with hepatitis

Canberra

Three female employees of the organisation posing in front of the garden space that will receive a makeover This Canberra-based community hepatitis organisation in Turner offers a comprehensive range of hepatitis-related services including education, advocacy, prevention, and referral. Their vision is to empower people and communities by reducing the transmission, impact and associated morbidity and mortality of viral hepatitis.

The organisation is seeking donations to help launch its new Garden Space Project (current space pictured right) which aims to teach current and future service users the importance of healthy eating, with a focus on eating foods that are excellent for liver health.

Many of the people who access their service fall into the senior age bracket of 55+ years. The Garden Space will focus on the inclusion of seniors and the use of their valued gained knowledge to educate their peers. The organisation hopes that with the addition of the Garden Space Project, they can provide a safe space for older Canberrans who might have been in isolation for months or even years during COVID restrictions, and allow them to thrive in a community-based setting.

Canberrans, we need your gardening tools and items! Got some pots, soil, potting mix, seeds or seedlings you no longer need? Are you upgrading gardening items like your wheelbarrow, shovel, rake, trowel, watering can or pruning shears? Then you can help! See what's needed below. Select GIVIT to donate the item, or FUND to donate the funds needed to purchase the item.

The project will consist of four modules: nutrition, exercise, relaxation, and community, and will encourage participants to assist in the gardens, but also to take crops home to make healthy meals to promote a healthy liver. Gardening duties will offer low-impact exercise whilst also providing the opportunity for mindfulness and social connection in a relaxed environment.

Gardening has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety and depression, improve cognitive function, and positively influence mental health.