How an allotment project is helping bereaved men in Brighton and Hove

Funded by Hospice UK, Earthworks is a weekly space for the men to get together to grow and harvest an abundance of vegetables, flowers and fruit alongside a hospice counsellor.

Jane Cato from the hospice’s Bereavement Team, said: “It’s all very relaxed; each morning begins with a cuppa in the allotment shed around the wood burner.

“Previous gardening experience isn’t important; you can take on whichever jobs interest you, whether that’s lighter work in the greenhouse or getting really stuck into the digging and clearing. Simply getting closer to nature can be very therapeutic, regardless of what the weather’s doing!

“It’s a very hands-on way for people to come together and to use their skills and energy to complete practical tasks, whilst gaining the benefit of talking to others who are in a similar situation – if that’s what they want to do.

“Less than a quarter of those using our hospice bereavement services are men and there’s nowhere else in Brighton & Hove for bereaved men to get together.

"So, it makes sense to find an alternative way to support those men, since we know we can help them.”

To find out more about Earthworks, or to sign-up please contact the Martlets’ Patient and Family Support Administrator on 01273 273400, or email [email protected]