Way to grow for veterans

Nov 6 2009 by Lisa Boyle, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

THEY are the heroes of our generation.

But our war veterans often suffer horrendous mental health difficulties when they leave the forces.

Hollybush House has long been a place of solace for soldiers, sailors and airmen who need support.

Now a charity project at Auchincruive is complimenting the terrific work done at Hollybush House.

Gardening Leave has been providing horticultural therapy for two years and is proving to be a big hit with veterans.

Anna Cresswell, chief executive, explained: “Many of the veterans who come to Gardening Leave live alone, their marriages having broken down, mostly as a direct result of the combat related mental health problems they live with on a permanent basis.

“Social isolation is a big factor in their lives, as their military experience often seems to isolate them from the rest of the civilian population and many veterans never really adjust to life in civvy street when they leave the forces.”

Anna continued: “At Gardening Leave we seek to provide a safe, peaceful environment where veterans can be with their own and participate as much as they choose in the life cycle of the garden.

“Because the vegetables we grow all go to the kitchen at Hollybush House, they feel appreciated as doing their bit is helping to benefit others – a throwback to their days of teamwork and companionship in the forces, which many veterans will tell you was the happiest time of their lives.”

Over 70 per cent of the veterans who have attended Gardening Leave go back for more, and more than 200 veterans have received thousands of hours of horticultural therapy since it began.

Anna continued: “Being part of Gardening Leave helps veterans in many ways, it gives them a sense of involvement, something to look forward to and something to talk about.

“We all know how much exercise and fresh air helps our mental well-being, and having something to divert them from the intrusive thoughts and flashbacks which plague so many veterans, as well as contributing to better physical fitness, plays a big part in an increasing number of veterans’ lives.”

Sergeant Major Jason Dickson is from A Coy, The Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (2SCOTS).

He visited Gardening Leave earlier this year.

Sgt Dickson said: “We really enjoyed it there, it’s a beautiful place.

“There’s great camaraderie and some good banter flying around.

“It’s good for the veterans as it reminds them that they still have a connection with the forces. And it’s good for our young soldiers to be able to see the support network that’s out there if they ever need it.”

Gardening Leave relies solely on the generosity of the public to keep it running.

To make a donation, contact 01292 521 444.