New Garden Launches to Tackle Social Isolation

A dedicated outdoor space designed to enhance resident wellbeing and reduce social isolation is set to launch. The new area at Yarm Wellness, located at the intersection of West Street and High Church Wynd, will be officially opened to the public at 13:30 BST this Saturday.

Linda Fisher, a 68-year-old volunteer, first encountered the hub two years ago during a period of significant social isolation. She believes the garden "will be an ice-breaker for people walking past." Currently under development, the community garden will feature three distinct zones: flower beds, benches, and raised plant beds equipped with disabled access.

Fisher spent the Covid-19 lockdown caring for her family while working long hours in healthcare. Upon retiring, she found herself with no social connections. Although she made five attempts to contact the charity, low confidence initially hindered her efforts. Eventually, she was invited to join the hub, an experience she describes as life-changing. She subsequently became a volunteer, noting that she has since built new friendships and is no longer "feeling alone."

"I've got my group of friends now and an amazing community in Yarm who I mostly met through the Wellness centre," Fisher said. She added, "[The garden] is going to be transformational. I'm looking forward to growing things, it's good for your mental health."

Yarm Wellness offers a weekly schedule of activities, including peer support groups, drop-in cafés, creative and musical sessions, and wellbeing classes. The new outdoor space, created on adjacent arches obtained from Network Rail, will broaden the center’s offerings. Future additions will include a Wellness Shed, a sensory garden with raised beds, and an outdoor area for yoga and mindfulness.

Richard Barker, 82, who leads the center’s Creative Art for Wellness sessions, described the facility as a "lifeline." Having lost his wife 13 years ago and seeing his children move away for work, he said the center gave him a purpose and motivated him to get out and engage with others. A former electrical engineer, Barker expressed his enthusiasm for the new garden: "I can't wait to sit outside, I would love to see the plants growing."

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-04-16 05:07:31 UTC