Today – 10 October – is World Mental Health Day. This year the global theme is young people’s mental health.

Everyone experiences stress, anxiety or low mood at some point during their lives but for many people mental health conditions have a longer term, major impact on their lives. But it doesn’t necessarily need to be like that. The sooner support is accessed, the better the chance of a good recovery and the less a person’s mental health condition impacts on their day to day life.

Two of our trainees, Faye and Dan, have chosen to share their stories for world mental health day. Both have been affected by mental health conditions from a young age and although they are both now doing well and moving on with their lives in a very positive way, their stories highlight the importance of young people getting the right support early. You can read Faye’s story and Dan’s story on our website.

We’ve had a brilliant morning with a group of service users and staff from AWP’s South Gloucestershire Early Intervention in Psychosis Service, who joined us in here at Organic Blooms to mark World Mental Health Day. We talked about the social and therapeutic benefits of horticulture, explored the site and planted up some beautiful pots of herbs to take home. And what a glorious day it is – it may be the end of our flower season but our fields are still looking lovely bathed in today’s autumn sunshine. Just being here today is giving our mental health a boost!

News just in! Two of our trainees, Tom and Logan, have had big achievements this week. Tom has been awarded the Thornbury In Bloom Perpetual Cup – congratulations Tom, and very well deserved. Logan has been awarded his City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Practical Horticulture. This is a qualification valued by employers and Logan has worked hard to achieve it. Well done both, we’re very proud of you!