Martin’s Story: Healing, Purpose and Community at the Garden

For the past nine months, Martin has been a regular at the Garden, after being signposted here by another local organisation. He first joined the Gardening for Clean Air group, which is part of the Climate and Disability strand of the Community Climate Action Project coordinated by the Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership, funded by the National Lottery’s Climate Action Fund.  When Martin first walked through the gates of Recatch Community Garden, he didn’t know what to expect: although he grew up in nearby Knowle West, he had no idea that we existed. 'I actually didn't know [the Community Garden] was here. I knew about the park because I was brought up in Knowle West, but I didn't know about the Garden. I sent an email and they said come up for the Wellbeing in the Garden group, to help me with my mental health.'

A Safe Place to Heal

For Martin, the Garden quickly became more than just a place to spend time outdoors. When asked about the group’s impact on his mental health, he was enthusiastic:' Oh, without a doubt, yes definitely. It’s been amazing. It’s supportive, the group is friendly, helpful. You can do as much or as little as you want depending on how you're feeling on the day. You can have a cup of tea and sit down if you want or you can do as much as you want, which is great.'

This flexibility made it easier for Martin to show up during some of his hardest days. After the loss of his wife, the Garden has served as a place he can feel supported in his grief.

'I’ve suffered from depression in the past. With grief and mental health… You can go to the dark side; I call it the dark side. Loneliness can push you into that. So coming up here, for the meals on a Tuesday… I started with the Wellbeing in the Garden group, then the lunches, then I found out about the Tai Chi. I want to do Art in the Garden as well! So I’ve now got structure in my life and I meet people. It’s great.'

Returning to Gardening (Without the Pressure!)

Gardening has always been a passion of Martin’s. Years ago, he had an allotment where he grew food and enjoyed the wildlife, but eventually it became too difficult to maintain alone. RCG has given him a way to return to something he loves, but this time with support.

'I enjoy gardening, I had an allotment years ago so that's one of the reasons I came for the gardening group. But an allotment is hard work on your own, but here, you've got lots of support, so you don’t have to worry. There's no stress, so if I'm away one week somebody else will do the watering or something, it’s not going to get all overgrown. It’s very relaxing; I find it relaxing.'

Giving Back and Paying It Forward

As his confidence grew, Martin began volunteering with the Wellbeing in the Garden group, helping others to garden and harvest food. For him, it’s about both giving and receiving support.

'I get something back from helping other people. So as well as me helping them, they’re helping me in a sense. I get something back out of it. For me, it's like giving back because this group has helped me when I needed help and I feel like I can help somebody else. It's like giving back. I've been there so I know what it’s like.'

As a retiree, volunteering has also given Martin a renewed sense of purpose and belonging.

'Rather than sit at home and waste away, which is what can happen when you retire. Also, I live alone so it just gives me an opportunity to meet people and talk to people so I don't feel so lonely.'

For Martin, community is about passing on the kindness and support he has received.

'I was determined that when I lost my wife I would try and get out there. I've got support from a therapist that helped me and that's another reason I would like to help somebody else. It's like passing it on, isn’t it? I don’t know what you call it…'

I’ve heard it called ‘pay it forward’.

'Pay it forward… Yeah, I like that! Somebody passes help to you and you pass it on. Brilliant.'

The Healing Power of Nature

One of the most consistent sources of comfort in Martin’s life has been nature. He finds peace and healing in the natural world:

'Nature for me is a great healer. For wellbeing it's fantastic. This morning in the Garden we had the robin bobbing around, and around the side of the Garden you get the blackberries and things like that. Even though you're in the middle of a city, it’s like being in the countryside.'

While his hip injury meant he had to give up his allotment, the Community Garden allows him to enjoy the benefits of gardening without being overwhelmed.

'Here I can grow food without it overwhelming me… Because when you get overwhelmed that can have a bad effect on your mental health, but here I can come and I’m not worried… The allotment was brilliant but it was a hell of a lot of work. And you find that now with people getting older and I am getting older, it's a bit harder.'

Through gardening and shared meals, Martin is also learning about the connection between food, health and wellbeing.

'I do try and cook. I’m trying to learn about how healthy food and a healthy environment can affect your mental health. I've started learning about kimchi and gut health and things like that, how that your gut health can affect your mental health, and how good food can help that.

I totally agree with how growing good food and eating healthily [helps]… And the Tuesday lunch, the food's brilliant. Broccoli and cheese soup last week was brilliant, and the Rainbow Stew. Because I live alone I don't tend to cook, so that does help. This place is brilliant, I love it here.'

A Garden of Growth 

Martin’s story is one of resilience, healing and connection. Through gardening, volunteering and spending time in nature, he has built structure into his life, found joy after loss and discovered new ways to support others.

'This Community Garden has really helped me. There are people out there that helped me and brilliant people in the community and I’d like to just give it back, if I can. This place is fantastic.' We’re so grateful to Martin for sharing his story with Liz and for being such an inspiring part of our community!