New Garden Launches to Allevate Social Isolation

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

Linda Fisher, a 68-year-old volunteer, first encountered the hub two years ago when she was experiencing profound social isolation. She described the upcoming garden as a potential "ice-breaker" for passersby. The community garden, currently under development, will feature three distinct zones: flower beds, benches, and raised plant beds equipped with disabled access.

Fisher’s journey to the hub began after retiring from a career in healthcare, where she had worked long hours and cared for her family during the pandemic. Upon retirement, she found herself without a social circle. Although she attempted to contact the charity five times, low confidence initially held her back. Once she finally connected with the hub, she said it "changed her life." Now a volunteer, Fisher has built a new circle of friends and stated she no longer feels "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. "[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 that includes peer support groups, drop-in cafés, creative and musical sessions, and wellbeing classes. The new outdoor area, developed on adjacent arches secured from Network Rail, will broaden the facility's offerings. Future additions include the Wellness Shed project, a sensory garden with raised beds, and a space dedicated to outdoor yoga and mindfulness.

Richard Barker, 82, who leads the centre’s Creative Art for Wellness sessions, also highlighted the facility's impact. After his wife passed away 13 years ago and his children relocated for work, Barker described the centre as a "lifeline."

"It gave me a purpose in life to actually get out and do things," said the former electrical engineer. Regarding the new garden, he added, "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