On the rooftop of the Dunedin Child and Youth Mental Health Services building in Moray Place, a new initiative is taking root—vegetable gardens.
Kelly Linwood, Unit Manager of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, says this garden project was aimed at involving Rangitahi (young people) to educate them about healthy and sustainable living. The initiative also aims to promote engagement in meaningful activities outdoors and encourage teamwork.
The garden project is a joint initiative between Youth Specialty Service (YSS) and the Rapoi Day Programme. The latter is a service for young people who require extra support in managing their mental health alongside individual therapy. They specialise in assisting young people and their whānau in re-establishing routines and re-engaging in education.
“Friday Kai Time” is an important component to this programme where those accessing the Rapoi Day Programme help plan, purchase and make lunch together. Sharing a meal and working together encourages group members to interact and improve their social skills.
Recognising the potential positive impact on the well-being of young individuals and to also help tackle inflation, Kelly envisioned a vegetable garden within the facility by utilising the spare roof space. The idea was to involve the Rangitahi in the entire gardening process, from planting and maintenance to harvesting. The young people are well supported by the entire Rapoi team, which includes a Nurse, Occupational Therapists, a clinical Psychologist and Dr Andrew Tucker who generously shares his specialist gardening knowledge and has created a specialist irrigation system for the gardens.
A good variety of produce are sprouting in the gardens - peas, corns, spinach, herbs, carrots, and many more. This shared space has transformed into a beautiful environment where both the young people and staff can enjoy the outdoors on a sunny day amidst fresh flowers and homegrown produce.
“This has been a true collaborative multidisciplinary team approach which has brought so much laughter to the team and a nice place to have a break. Most importantly, it has engaged the young people effectively and teaches them life-long life skills,” Kelly shares.
A special shoutout goes to South Dunedin Blokes Shed, who kindly built two raised vegetable gardens for this initiative.
From the left: Clinical Psychologist Tracey Turner, Occupational Therapist, Sarah Davie, Adolescent Psychiatrist, Dr Andrew Tucker, Occupational Therapist, Laura McLachlan and Registered Nurse, James Caley.
