A GOOD cause has launched a "wellness garden" to benefit residents in Drumchapel.

The Wellness Garden, which is located at the Growchapel Community Allotment Gardens, is a new community space that is hoping to improve the health and well-being of people in the local area. 

It was designed and created by Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland (CHSS) volunteers Lynette Green and Stephen Fraser - along with the help of CHSS staff and the Health Defence team.

The garden is described as an "accessible space for those living with chest heart and stroke conditions" that will allow them to improve their physical and mental health.

Jane-Claire Judson, chief executive of Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland said: “We are delighted to officially launch our CHSS Wellness Garden at Growchapel today. 

“At Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, we are committed to the primary and secondary prevention of chest, heart and stroke conditions.  Physical activity such as gardening is known to have many benefits for adults and older adults including reducing the chance of developing cardiovascular disease by up to 35%.* 

“Our Wellness Garden has been consciously designed to provide a welcoming and accessible environment to those living with our conditions to enjoy and participate in. 

"Alongside gardening activities, we hope to be able to offer other forms of exercise such as Tai Chi or Pilates. 

“As well as people from our own support groups, the garden will be open to community groups from Drumchapel and beyond early next year, with the aim of benefiting as many people in the local community as possible."

The garden forms part of the charity's health defence activity in the local area.

It consists of wide paved walkways and raised planters which can be accessed while sitting or standing.

Volunteer Stephen Fraser, 34, who is a personal trainer and lives in Glasgow said:  “Being a volunteer has given me a real sense of fulfilment.

"I’m lucky that the role in the garden adds an additional level of nature.

"Being outside really helps with mindfulness, whether that’s building planters from scratch or discussing what to grow where.  

“There’s a sense of purpose, too, knowing the work we are doing will aid and help others to flourish. Giving someone even 10 minutes of distraction or peace from their own situation can go a long way. 

“Working in the fields of health and psychology, I knew volunteering could be powerful and give a real sense of community.

"But when you get to know other volunteers, you build such authentic relationships in pursuit of a common goal. It’s an unrivalled feeling.  

“Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland know that volunteers have their own lives to schedule around their time, and they are super supportive and accommodating. Helping out has never felt like a chore.”