Fancy hosting a Great Garden Party during Mental Health Awareness Week from Monday May 9 to Sunday May 15?

It doesn’t matter if your garden is large or small, a patio, balcony or, indeed, if you have no outside space at all.

And you can host your event outdoors, indoors or at the office.

Instead it’s all about sharing a cuppa, spending some time with friends, family, colleagues and neighbours while raising much-needed funds to support local people with mental health issues.

The call for hosts comes from the Sheltered Work Opportunities Project (SWOP).

The charity includes Cherry Tree Nursery in Northbourne, Bournemouth, and Chestnut Nursery in Poole.

Producing more than 100,000 high quality garden plants every year, the nurseries provide sheltered work rehabilitation in a supportive, but realistic, working environment for people with mental health issues.

Maria Tidy, SWOP’s Community Liaison Officer, pictured left, said the garden party could incorporate a coffee morning, an afternoon tea, a networking event, a plant, cake or book sale or a celebration by candlelight.

The choice was up to the host but everybody could get involved in some way, shape or form.

She added: “The theme for Mental Health Awareness week this year is loneliness which affects millions of people in the UK every year and is a key driver of poor mental health.

“The Great Garden Party campaign is a way for people to raise awareness and funds for local people with mental health issues by simply putting the kettle on and inviting some friends over.”

You can register to take part in the event at swop-garden-party.eventbrite.co.uk or contact [email protected] for more info and a free fundraising pack.

SWOP was founded in 1990.

The charity’s aim is to create a loving community for people who often feel frightened, lonely, isolated and powerless.

There is no upper age limit or restriction on the time that people can stay at SWOP.

In addition to work opportunities, the nurseries offer:

• On-site support by the local Citizens Advice service
• Access to courses on health & well-being
• Access to the RHS Level 1 Award in Practical Horticulture
• Support with travel expenses
• Special funding for emergency purposes
• Debt & budgeting support
• Help with accommodation, furniture and clothing

More information on Cherry Tree Nursery can be found here and Chestnut Nursery here.