A prized community garden in Archway needs investment to continue its green social prescribing offer after nearly 50 years.
Sunnyside Community Gardens has welcomed volunteers of all stripes since 1978 and has recently become a leading light in the field of therapeutic horticulture.
Overwhelmed services and rising mental health issues have seen healthcare professionals embracing “green prescribing” – where patients are advised to spend time in nature as part of their treatment.
According to volunteers at Sunnyside, the effects can be life-changing.
TfL industrial designer Fernando Solis said: “I don’t know what I would do without Sunnyside.
“Being amongst people with different issues, and talking to them about your life, it makes you feel that you’re not alone.”
Fernando – who is autistic, dyspraxic and has ADHD – began volunteering 18 months ago when divorce and loss of friends left them feeling they would collapse.
Despite the rising need, lack of funding opportunities has seen a number of London’s community gardens close down.
Many investors, since the pandemic, have undergone “restructuring” or found themselves overwhelmed with applicants.
Sunnyside has managed to land nearly £50k from funders for the coming period, but more is needed to secure the future of the garden.
Manager Anna Portch, 49, said: “It’s never been this difficult.
“I’ve worked in small charities for 20 years and there’s never been anything like this.
“We’re hopeful we’ll get through somehow, but it’s a really tricky funding landscape.”
For more information on crowdfunding or volunteering at Sunnyside, visit www.sunnysidecommunitygardens.org/.
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