Garden Needs · A project of Social adVentures

Mental Health & Horticulture.

A friendly, non-clinical service for Salford people struggling with their mental health, looking to improve it, or wanting to stay well through the seasons.

We’ve found that combining nature, outdoor activity and peer-to-peer support leads to positive results in maintaining and improving mental health.

Every time someone new walks through the gates at Garden Needs they comment on the calming effect it brings and on how peaceful the site is despite being so close to Manchester City Centre.

Based at Salford M7, the site is just 2.5 miles away from Salford Precinct — 30 minutes on one bus (and we cover public transport expenses).

When we’re open

Every Tuesday & Wednesday · 10am – 3pm

Drop in any time during those hours. Lunch is included.

Nervous about coming along for the first time? Let us know when you’re planning to visit and we’ll plan around you — giving you the space you need to feel comfortable. We’re a big site with lots of space, so if you want to work alone or 1-to-1 to start with, that’s absolutely fine.

What you’ll do

Led by the seasons.

In summer there’s lots of watering, weeding and harvesting. In spring, planting and planning. There’s still plenty to be harvested in autumn and loads of garden maintenance work in winter.

We also help maintain our local woodland alongside the local rangers — learning about invasive species and helping to clear them wherever we can. Our own minibus gets us out to help do the gardening at some of our local care homes.

Regular activities include woodland wellbeing walks, outdoor mindfulness, foraging and outdoor crafts. We even have our own bees — and a beekeeper who’s happy to teach anyone who wants to learn.

Gallery

A tour of the site.

Common questions

Things people ask.

What happens when it rains?
We have our own heated wellbeing cabin and lots of greenhouse space for indoor growing. We also enjoy putting up our own shelters and building a cosy campfire.
Who comes to the Garden Needs mental health and horticulture project?
A variety of people of all ages and backgrounds come to the Centre. Some people come to socialise, make friends and to learn to socialise again in a safe place. Many find the routine of coming along and getting involved helps them keep their mind healthy. Some people come as part of their mental health recovery and others come because they are feeling anxious, isolated, lonely or depressed and want to take control of their mental health. Many find the outdoor centre calming and the activity soothing.
Where is it?
Garden Needs is at M7 4NT. It's at 1 Radford Street in Salford, just come down the hill and look for the big metal gate on the left, just before the woods. We are just 2.5 miles away from Salford Precinct — 30 minutes on one bus (and we cover public transport fees).
Do I need a referral?
No, you can refer yourself on the details below but also any other service can also refer you in. Everyone that attends the service must be a Salford resident or have a Salford GP.
How can I contact you?
Tel: 0161 710 1075
Email: hello@socialadventures.org.uk
Is there any research to support the project?
Yes — several research papers have been published into the benefits of nature and horticulture on mental health, including Growing Spaces: An Evaluation of the Mental Health and Recovery Programme, and Grow, Motivate, Succeed.

Ready to visit?

Call 0161 710 1075 or email hello@socialadventures.org.uk — no referral needed. Everyone attending must be a Salford resident or have a Salford GP.