“My challenges are physical and mental,” Vicki says. “As I have to concentrate and focus hard on things, I feel fatigue just by doing the simplest of tasks and I tire quickly.”
Life began to change when Vicki joined Life Changers, our therapeutic gardening programme for people living with a life-changing illness, injury or health condition.
Vicki hoped the programme would help her gain confidence, meet like-minded people and learn new skills. She wanted to reconnect with gardening and nature to help manage her health conditions and enjoy life at the same time.
When you spend so much time alone, you doubt your self-worth and wonder why you are even here.
A place to feel welcome
Vicki found more than she hoped for. She found friendship and understanding in a welcoming and calming place where she could be herself without fear of judgement. Although she still experiences fatigue, coming to our garden feels so worthwhile for Vicki.
The sessions gave her something to look forward to. Whether planting, clearing, crafting, or waiting to see if bulbs emerge, she enjoyed being outside, active and part of a group.
I don’t have anyone on the outside and I spend most of my days alone,
Vicki explains. “Thrive has been a huge part of changing that. Even though it’s only one day a week, it changes everything. I have something to look forward to and after, I find myself taking on challenges at home that I would normally avoid.”
On Thrive days, Vicki wakes up excited. “I’m buzzing,” she says. “I get up early, walk Tyson my dog, and get ready for an amazing day with friends, knowing it’s going to be a great day.”
Tyson, her rescue chihuahua and emotional support animal, is an important part of her life. “Sometimes I think he rescued me,” she says.
Reconnecting with a lifelong love of design and nature
Gardening has always mattered to Vicki. Before her health made physical activity more difficult, she loved landscaping and design and had a beautiful pond in her garden where she found peace.
Vicki says, she only ever has good days with us. And each session gives her the kind of day she can carry with her long after she leaves the garden. Through Life Changers, she has found a way to enjoy life again. Encouraged by her practitioner, she has felt able to join in and garden at home, and for someone who often feels isolated, life is a little less lonely now.
Vicki’s advice for others
Vicki finds the benefits of gardening to be endless. “I've gained confidence to go out and do things in the garden, and I visit garden centres more often. Just being encouraged has made all the difference.”
Her advice is to make the garden work for you: choose low-maintenance plants and evergreens, use raised beds if mobility is an issue, and plant containers that can be refreshed through the year for colour and scent. She also recommends creating a shady place to take time out and read a book or just listen to nature around you.
