Salvation Army hopes new garden helps wellbeing take root

People in Strood are being offered a welcoming space to grow food, build friendships and support their wellbeing after The Salvation Army launched a community garden.

Leaders at the church and charity on Gun Lane already provide support in a variety of ways and say the new garden will also allow them to support healthy living.

Ruth Prior, Strood Salvation Army leader, said she believes the new garden will be a welcome addition to The Salvation Army in the town.

Ruth said: “With food prices on the rise, growing skills can be shared and learnt, which could inspire growing at home. The garden will also support our Free Lunch programme, which provides a weekly meal for anyone in our local community who needs it. The garden means we can extend our support for the community from the inside to the outside, building on our mission to be open and welcoming to all.”

The garden is at the front of The Salvation Army with a patch either side of the entrance which splits the garden in two. One half will be turfed with a flower bed cut out while the other side will be an allotment to grow vegetables and fruit for the weekly lunch club and other people in the local community.

Ruth said she hopes a variety of people will get involved in the garden including those who already attend the church for other activities, referrals from social prescribers, and members of the local community who are isolated and interested in helping out and improving the local area. 

Land for the garden was cleared by a team of volunteers earlier this month and now. One half of the land will be a memory garden where people can plant plants and flowers to remember happier times. The second half will be rotavated and tiered so trees can be planted along with raised beds of fruit and vegetables to support the church’s free lunch club and local people who need help.  

Ruth said: “There will be something for all ages and abilities and we are already being helped by our young people who helped clear the ground. This garden is about much more than growing plants. We want this to be a place where everyone feels they belong, whether they’re new to gardening or just looking for company and fresh air. Access to green spaces and the opportunity to grow your own food can have a huge impact on people’s wellbeing.”

Ruth said The Salvation Army is already working in partnership with the 1st Medway Towns Scouts Group and are keen to involve other organisations and volunteers. Funding for the project came from Medway Voluntary Action and Ruth also thanked Naylors Funeral Directors and Medway District Councillor David Field for their support.

For more information on the garden or to volunteer, email strood@salvationarmy.org.uk or call 01634 723310