Shona Robison MSP visits SAMH service in Dundee
8th August 2017
Shona Robison MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing & Sport today (Tuesday 8 August) visits SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) Chrysalis service in Dundee, which supports people with mental health problems through therapeutic horticulture activities.
Shona, who is the local MSP for Dundee City East, met some of the people who use the service as well as staff and was able to see first-hand how gardening can support people with their recovery by developing resilience and employability skills.
The visit was hosted by SAMH Director of External Affairs Jo Anderson, who said:
“We are delighted to welcome Shona Robison MSP to the Chrysalis service.
“SAMH has a long history of providing gardening services to those people who need help with their mental health.
“We know that gardening offers a whole range of therapeutic benefits, including improving physical activity and mental wellbeing. It also helps people build confidence and self-esteem as well as increasing their motivation to be active.”
A Chrysalis client said:
"Chrysalis gives me a reason to get up in the mornings; the days are filled with lots to do in the garden, which makes me feel good.
“Even on a day when I'm feeling down I find a day’s work in the garden helps me get away from the negative thinking that goes with depression."
Team Leader at Chrysalis Sue Black said:
“It is great to have our local MSP Shona Robison along to our service.
“Through our SAMH GROW programme, which combines therapeutic horticulture and practical skills, we are able to aid people in their recovery from mental health problems.”
Shona Robison MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing & Sport said:
“The SAMH Chrysalis service highlights how beneficial gardening can be to mental health. In fact, any activity that gets you out in the fresh air, socialising with other people and being physically active can make a huge difference to mental wellbeing.
“I’m pleased that SAMH are able to offer this important service, and I was delighted to see the project first hand and meet some of the people who are benefiting.”
