A Sydney Anglican project helping isolated men has given much-needed dignity and fellowship - as well as prize-winning tomatoes.
Tomatoes from a small community garden run by Anglicare have taken out first and second prize at the 2005 Moss Vale Show.
However, according to Anglicare Community Worker Moira Ritchie, the much loved community garden has been providing much more than just prize-winning vegetables.
"It has been very encouraging to see God's provision and care for his created world," says Moira.
"With the opportunity to socialise with others and spend an enjoyable time in the garden, it has been wonderful to see great friendships naturally forming among those involved.
"He has created and sustained a place that is peaceful, approachable and accessible for the needy in the community."
Breaking social isolation in the Southern Highlands
For the past two years, the Southern Highlands Anglicare project has helped men suffering social isolation due to physical disabilities, mental health issues and poverty.
The aim was to provide a healthy, safe and relaxed outdoor place for men to meet and connect with their community.
"When we first started all we had was a little patch of grass next to the tennis courts. We ploughed up the ground, planted the vegetables and since then it's been a matter of funding and support from volunteers to keep more than the garden growing," says Moira.
Since 2004, more and more people have been coming to the garden and the last 18 months has seen a regular group of men come each Wednesday through the Government’s Active Linking Initiative and Disabilities Service. The local volunteer numbers working in the Garden have also steadily grown since 2004 to include a core base of 15 men who regularly work in the garden.
According to research from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 32 per cent of Australians aged 65 years and over lived alone in the late 1990s. During their waking hours, these people spent an average of 79 per cent of their time alone (or more than 12 hours a day).
The social isolation many people experience in old age is usually the result of living alone, a lack of close family ties, reduced connections with their culture of origin, or an inability (often through lack of transport) to actively participate in the local community.
When this occurs in combination with physical disabilities, research has shown demoralisation and depression are common.
Produce given to families in need of welfare
Over 60, retired and living alone, Arthur Parfitt, who has been coming to the garden since it started, says the project has been a source of good company as well as good food.
"It's good to catch up with people," says Arthur who has even bigger plans for the garden next year.
"We've already supplied pumpkins, tomatoes, shallots, lettuces and marrows to the Anglicare Emergency Relief program and next year we're going to plant a lot more crops. With the light from the tennis courts we could even do a spot of night gardening."
According to Moira, working on the garden has taught her even simple things can be very successful.
"I've found simple things often work the best and have the most impact. Working on the garden has been a blessing and I'm grateful that the Lord has given us this opportunity."
During 2004-2005, Anglicare's Southern Highlands team provided emergency food and financial relief to more than 930 families. This emergency relief work was funded by the generosity of local churches and the public.
To find out more about the community garden or to volunteer contact Anglicare Southern Highlands on (02) 4868 1780.
