Gardening for Wellbeing – Join our monthly garden club

We’re excited to offer free gardening sessions for adults in Hackney who may be experiencing mental or physical health challenges, who would benefit from learning new skills and connecting with others outdoors.

There’s something quietly powerful about being in the garden. Feeling the soil, watching things grow, doing something small and practical with your hands; it can be grounding, calming, and very uplifting.

Gardening for Wellbeing is a free programme for adults in Hackney who may be experiencing mental or physical health challenges, loneliness, or simply need a gentle reason to get outside and connect with others in the local community.

You don’t need to be an expert gardener to join this monthly club, that takes place one Wednesday morning per month. The group is about learning new skills and spending time in a supportive, friendly outdoor space.

Who it’s for:

– Adults aged 18+ who live in Hackney
– People experiencing mental or physical health challenges
– Anyone feeling isolated or in need of gentle social connection

No gardening experience needed at all – curiosity and a willingness to have a go is more than enough.

What it offers:

• A series of 10 well-being gardening session: we encourage participants to come to all sessions. This gives a chance to build a routine, see the garden change over time, and feel part of something ongoing.
• Hands-on gardening activities: You’ll get involved in food growing, planting seeds, watering, harvesting, and caring for the garden.
• Time outdoors in a calm, green space: Being in our beautiful garden can be a really positive boost for mood and energy levels. You’ll spend time in fresh air, surrounded by lots of flowers.
• Friendly support and a welcoming group: Sessions are relaxed and social. Many people come their own so you won’t be the only one.

When & where:

• Third Wednesday of each month, 10:00–12:30
• Hackney School of Food, Oswald Street, E5 0BT

Meet your Facilitator:

Camila Barboza is one of Hackney School of Food’s garden educators, a food and herb grower, holistic gardener and forager. She’s endlessly fascinated by the small wonders of nature – from seeds turning into plants to old plants returning to the soil.

Camila creates sessions that are gentle, encouraging and grounded in care for both people and the natural world. She also delivers workshops with Hackney Herbal, and you can see more of her work on Instagram: @camila.beetroot

Cost: This is a free programme for participants who will reap the benefits. However, if you are going to sign up, please make sure you can commit to attending at least the first 5 sessions.

Spaces are limited and if you don’t attend regularly, you’ll be taking the place of someone else who could.

Join us

If you’d like to take part, please complete the expression of interest below and tell us the best way to contact you.

Huge thanks to…
Our funder Hackney Community Fund for supporting Gardening for Wellbeing.