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A group of volunteers in Sheffield is hoping to create community cohesion, prevent social isolation and improve the mental health of residents, through a new community garden project.

The project is based at Gleadless Methodist Church on White Lane, Sheffield, and seeks to benefit all of the local community, not just those who attend church.

With the help of volunteers from the community and the probation service, the project is beginning to take shape, though more help is needed to develop it further.

June Wieteska, one of the volunteers, said: “We’ve really gone for this. There are so many people in Gleadless who are isolated, affecting mental health. Maybe something like this would get them out - they can come for a coffee or a chat.

Volunteers June Wieteska and Laura Skiba.

“It’s the church reaching out, getting people involved, doing something for the community, showing that people care about them.”

The project will include a community garden, a community theatre venue, and other group activities.

June added: “People can come to do gardening or have a chat, grow veg. We want to bring people together, get them out. For people that can’t get out, we can visit them - deliver some veg or flowers.

“The vision we’ve got is starting to happen.”

How a new garden project in Sheffield is hoping to help manage isolation and mental health issues