Community Wellness Garden, Perth College UHI

The Development Trust aims to develop campaigns to support inspirational projects and create opportunities for Perth College UHI and the wider community.  The Trust is made up of volunteers from the community who are passionate about education and who want to see a thrieving institution in the local community.  

Mental Health

The wellbeing of our students and staff are a priority especially in these challenging times when mental health is increasing and there are many pressures on young people and society. The money raised will create a community garden to improve the wellbeing of our students, staff and local residents. It will give them space to think and reflect, building their confidence and  support their resilience to be able to deal with the many pressures they face. We need to support students to succeed in their studies helping them get through these difficult and uncertain times. 

The Project

Each year over  800 students at Perth College are recorded as having mental health issues - likely with many more going undetected.  To address this issue and the wellbeing of all our students, staff and the local residents we would like to create a community  wellness garden which we believe will enhance the existing sports facilities and provides space to relax, reflect and rejuvenate, subsequently improving health and care practices.   We see the garden playing a pivotal role in the wellbeing of both the college and the wider community helping to improve the quality of life for users . Breaks from studies, meetings, lunch hours and evening relaxation could be spent enjoying the benefits of the garden gathering thoughts and renewing their energy.  The proposed cafe area would provide an excellent space to be with others and would enhance the garden's sense of community. 

Enhancing the Student Experience 

The garden would be created by horticultural students, providing work-based study, learning and employment opportunities. Once established students and staff would have the opportunity to volunteer to look after the garden, giving them the chance to take a pride in their local community. 

Exercise and Interaction

The decking area would provide a space for exercise social interaction and events, creating opportunities for health and wellbeing.  Regular Yoga and Tai Chi classes will be timetabled to explore the mind body and a range of health and beauty treatments would also be available.

Pressures on young people and society are well documented and amplified by the pandemic .  As young people strive to make their way in today's world, balancing the pressures of study, finance and job prospects is extremely challenging.  Enhancing the Campus environment with an accessible sanctuary will address these challenges, help students stay on course and benefit the health and wellbeing of the community