Nick’s story
Nick is a long-term unemployed resident in his late 40s who lives with his elderly uncle. He is clinically overweight, suffers from depression and anxiety, had very low confidence and had very low energy and motivation, and little prospect of employment.
Nick was unmotivated in life when he first came to the gardening project and never saw anyone other than his elderly uncle. However, he has made many friends in since attending, and really enjoys each session. He enjoys helping other people and is very good with all the participants, showing a real development in social and caring skills and participation.
Nick said: “Since I've been coming here, I've been sleeping better each night. I enjoy coming and working at the garden and it's given me more structure and activity, a better routine. It makes me feel I can really achieve something more.”
Charlie’s story
Charlie recently dropped out of Chichester College due to family problems at home. His dad had a stroke which left him with extremely limited mobility. His mum struggled to cope, and Charlie felt responsible for his family at the age of just 17.
Charlie joined the gardening project in 2018, feeling lost and without direction. His confidence was low and he didn’t really see anyone apart from his family.
However, being involved with the community garden gave Charlie purpose, and he enjoyed meeting new people and working with them to grow produce and help with gardening tasks. This gave him new-found confidence, and he has now secured a full-time customer services job.
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