Meet ‘Seeding the Change’ – bringing green outdoor spaces to life in Stockport
As One Stockport continues to encourage us to ‘Explore our Great Outdoors’, we are meeting some of the people in Stockport who are helping to make green spaces accessible to all, for the good of all.
Established in 2022, Seeding the Change C.I.C was founded and is led by Stockport-based General Practitioner Dr Aimee Priestman and Registered Mental Health Nurse, Gemma Carroll.
Their projects improve greenspace and biodiversity, support climate change and support GPs Social prescribing programmes in Stockport via:
- Weekly gardening sessions for up to 8 participants per session improving and creating greenspaces across Stockport
- Connecting people to people and people to greenspace, gardening to improve mental and physical health
Pictured above left are Aimee and Gemma; right is Huku who features in the video below. He told us:
“Seeding the Change, that is my ambition, my goal. They have helped me a lot and I think that they can help me through everything. I want to help the community more, seeding the change in the community, moving forward with whatever the committee wants me to do.”
Regular events are held at Webb Lane Allotments in Offerton and at Shaw Heath Community Garden. Seeding for Change support and grow food for Chelwood Foodbank.
“What a year and what a transformation!! We have absolutely LOVED this regeneration project and all the people we’ve met along the way! What a fantastic community! Now complete and open to everyone…Shaw Heath Community Garden.”
Looking for a place to run one-off wellbeing sessions or classes?
“We’ve just had a fantastic day with #selfcarecreatives , the participants loved the space and felt able to relax and connect with nature whilst producing unique and fun art work. Get in contact – seedingthechange@gmail.com
“We love having Seeding The Change help us develop our space into growing food for our foodbank Chelwood Foodbank Plus – Fighting SK Poverty.”
Seeding the Change projects – this is how they are making a difference to people’s lives!
Developing a community garden at Britannia Hotel, Offerton, which is currently housing people seeking asylum with no greenspace. The team delivered facilitated gardening & wellbeing sessions in the garden while creating and developing the space. The garden provides a greenspace for its community to encourage improved physical and mental health outcomes and to increase local greenspace and biodiversity.
“During the project we were able to discuss the importance of nature for health, for improved health, wellbeing and social inclusion and educate residents in solutions to enhance biodiversity and re-green Stockport. Children can explore natural ecosystems, promoting a love of nature essential to making a greener, more sustainable community.”
Evidence shows residents engaging in the garden and sessions experience improved mood, health and wellbeing:
“The day I joined the garden group my life changed for the better.”
“This place is heaven.”
“I wish we could come every day.”
