Root & Branch Westmill

Root & Branch is a social and therapeutic gardening and craft centre for adults, 18+, who experience mental health difficulties, such as depression, anxiety, personality disorder, trauma or very low mood.

Through groups and 1-1 sessions, their two-year programme encourages the use of the five ways to wellbeing tool.

Their weekly sessions provide opportunities for Participants to meet new people and make connections in a relaxed atmosphere, building confidence and realising potential. They create a learning environment in the garden and workshops, with a chance to gain new skills and coping mechanisms.

Participants from Oxfordshire and Wiltshire who are under the care of a medical professional may be referred by them. Self-referrals and referrals by family members or friends are also welcomed.

Please complete the referral form on their website or email or phone them.

They are open on a Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 09:30 until 14:00 and each session includes a communal lunch, prepared with produce from their garden.

Participants can take part in a range of therapeutic activities such as:

• Social and therapeutic horticulture, including growing flowers, fruit, vegetables and all aspects of caring for a garden.
• Rural crafts including woodwork, glass art, pottery, painting, needlecrafts, basketry and mosaic making,
• Health and nutrition and cookery,
• Social activities, walks and physical activity such as yoga and Pilates sessions and use of their small gym.

As Participants notice improvements in how they feel and think, their skilled team begin exploring what Participants see as their next steps, where they might consider further education, training, volunteering or paid employment.

People with mental health difficulties living in Oxfordshire.