New Garden Launches to Tackle Social Isolation

A fresh outdoor space dedicated to enhancing resident wellbeing and reducing social isolation is set to be unveiled. The new area at Yarm Wellness, situated at the intersection of West Street and High Church Wynd, will officially open to the public at 13:30 BST this Saturday.

Linda Fisher, a 68-year-old volunteer, first encountered the hub two years ago while experiencing "social isolation." She believes the garden "will serve as an ice-breaker for passersby." Currently a work in progress, the community garden is designed to feature three distinct zones. These will include flower beds, benches, and raised plant beds that are accessible to disabled individuals.

During the Covid-19 lockdown, Fisher balanced long hours in healthcare with family caregiving. However, following her retirement, she found herself "not knowing anybody." After five unsuccessful attempts to contact the charity due to low confidence, she was finally invited to the hub—a decision she describes as life-changing. Fisher subsequently joined as a volunteer, noting that she has since made new friends 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," she said. "The garden is going to be transformational. I'm looking forward to growing things; it's good for your mental health."

The centre currently offers a weekly schedule featuring peer support groups, drop-in cafés, creative and musical sessions, and wellbeing classes. The new outdoor section, created on adjacent arches acquired from Network Rail, will broaden the centre’s offerings. Future additions include the Wellness Shed project, a sensory garden with raised beds, and a dedicated space for outdoor yoga and mindfulness.

Richard Barker, 82, who leads the centre’s Creative Art for Wellness sessions, described the facility as a "lifeline." Having lost his wife 13 years ago and watched his children move away for work, he said the centre "gave me a purpose in life to actually get out and do things." The former electrical engineer added of 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