Bangor, 18 June 2025 – Last week, members of Praxis Care’s Carmen Lane Supported Living Service and local community came together to celebrate the progress of their community garden, developed with the support of a National Garden Scheme (NGS) Community Garden Grant. As part of the celebration, representatives from the NGS presented the service, which supports individuals experiencing mental ill health, with a special plaque, recognising the garden as an officially supported project.
The project is part of the wider NGS Gardens and Health programme, which supports community gardening projects that improve health and wellbeing throughout the UK. Since the programme began, NGS has donated over £1.2 million to more than 500 community garden projects.
The garden provides a supportive and inclusive space promoting physical and mental wellbeing for individuals living with mental health challenges. It features a variety of home-grown produce including peas, lettuce, tomatoes, strawberries and blackberries, cultivated with active involvement from those who use the Team Leader for the service Praxis Care, played a key role in sourcing plants, seeds and garden supplies to ensure the project’s success. Reflecting on the garden’s impact, she said: “The garden truly has become a place to grow, not just for the plants, but for the people who tend them. It’s incredible to see how spending time outdoors and working together can restore confidence and joy.”
Special thanks are extended to Lidl, Asda Bangor, Supervalu Comber, Ballyholme Butchers, Corries Farm Shop, Millikens Farm Butchers and Knott’s Bakery for their generous contributions.
The garden has become a bright and welcoming sanctuary, where each feature adds to its sense of calm and community. The freshly painted decking and pergola offer a cheerful place to sit and connect, while the greenhouse nurtures young plants. A new shed keeps tools organised and the gazebo provides shelter for quiet reflection, rain or shine. It’s a space where staff and the people they support can unwind.
Praxis Care is committed to cultivating the garden’s potential as a thriving centre for recovery and community, with continued support from volunteers, local partners and the people they support.
To learn more about Praxis Care’s mental health services in Northern Ireland, visit: https://www.praxiscare.org/northern-ireland/ni-mental-health/