Funding was supplied this year to the Lewis and Harris Horticultural Producers (LHHP) to provide a training venue for groups, in the building located on the site of their horticultural project.

The intention is for the project to accommodate and support 50 people throughout the year who are in recovery from alcohol and substance abuse or suffer from mental health issues.

Participants will be encouraged to use the horticultural project as a ‘green gym’ , thus promoting physical exercise and the building facility will be used by the ‘Move More’ project and Health Promotion staff to deliver training.

LHHP was formed in 2001 and became co-ordinators of the allotments behind the Lews Castle College in 2014, with grant support from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.

The uptake for this year alone has increased by 50%, with more and more people showing an interest. LHHP is dependent on volunteer labour and the initiative attempts to be as ‘green’ and off grid as possible. 

People are encouraged to visit and become involved through working on the allotments and use it as a way to relax whilst also increasing their knowledge of growing their own fruit and vegetables. The aim is to encourage and educate people as to what constitutes a healthier, affordable diet as well as adopting a healthier lifestyle through healthy eating and physical exercise.

The project will ultimately benefit participants’ physical and mental health, as well as increasing the amount of fresh produce grown on the island.

For further information please contact Mary Maclean, Fas Fallain Manager, tel. 01851 762014 or email: marymaclean1@nhs.net