Green space in the city: Social housing provider increases allotment space in a bid to help residents maintain a positive mental health

A Cardiff social housing provider has doubled the space it holds in a local community allotment after realising the positive mental health and financial benefits for its residents.

Taff Housing, based in Canton, purchased 15 plots in the Leckwith council-run allotment back in 2019. However, after receiving positive feedback from residents has managed to secure additional space, enabling more people to enjoy its many benefits.

Studies show that seeing and being around plants and greenery helps us to feel calmer and more relaxed, which consequently decreases levels of anxiety. Nurturing and caring for plants has also been proven to reduce stress levels and boost our mood.*

Ria Cuss, Tenant Engagement Partner at Taff Housing said: “Supporting our residents’ mental health and wellbeing is a top priority for Taff and whenever we go down to the allotment, we can clearly see the pleasure it brings.

“Not only is it a space for people to escape, enjoy the outdoors and socialise, but also take pleasure in the fruits of their labour when they unearth vegetables or pick fruit they have grown and share it with others. In turn, it is also helping to save them money, which in our current economic climate, is always an added benefit.”

The members of the allotment committee share advice and guidance with each other, as well as sharing equipment, seeds, bulbs, fruit and vegetables.

The chair of the committee, James Rides, added: “Having access to a garden like this is a real pleasure. It gives me a sense of purpose for my days and provides a place I can socialise and relax with other residents, while growing my own food.

“Taff Housing has supported all our plans and given us the freedom to make it what we want. We wanted to create a space where we could not only grow our own vegetables but also attract local wildlife. We have dug a pond, put up bird boxes and created a lovely wildflower patch, all of which has increased the range of wildlife visiting the garden. We get everything from robins and dragonflies and frogs to finches. It’s a lovely spot to just let go of any worries and listen to the birds, and now with more space available it offers more people the chance to get involved.”

Another resident Donna Hutson added: “This really is my happy place. I love to share the fruit, flowers and vegetables I grow with family and friends so everyone can benefit from it. Not only is it great financially but it’s also so satisfying when you pick something you have grown and make a meal out of it.”

The garden is run by residents, for residents. Taff set up an allotment committee who manage the garden and oversee its day-to-day maintenance. They have a budget to spend on whatever they want, whether it is new tools and equipment or plants and seeds. Any local residents can get involved in the allotment and can contact Taff via its website to find out more.

Taff Housing owns and manages over 1,500 homes across the city, providing 4000 people with somewhere to call home.

It is also investing over £30 million in the development of 350 high-quality affordable homes. Not only are the homes helping to address the shortage of affordable homes in Cardiff, but they are also helping to regenerate derelict buildings and restore economic prosperity.

For more information on Taff Housing please visit www.taffhousing.co.uk