‘How positive changes, have increased health & wellness’
Many see our social media posts & updates, but perhaps do not see the full story, behind gardens & regeneration posts. Seaton & Linksfield neighbourhoods are a priority area. S.I.M.D high, with hardships such as poverty, loneliness, lack of free facilities & amenities, void of safe space socialising opportunities. Our charitable purposes including health, community wellness, educating towards improvement & overcoming any hardships. Fresh SCIO took an approach of embracing the things that there were available, such as green spaces, and listened to initial community engagement responses. Starting the ‘Seaton Trails‘.
“We would like to see some colour, something which gives hope & positivity.”
“Many of us feel forgotten, we are keen for changes, but have been told this before”
“I would like to invite people to my home (Seaton neighbourhoods), and have something to be proud of, somewhere to meet them & places to walk to with a purpose.”
*Consultations with residents 2021 – 2022
With joining Keep Scotland Beautiful, there followed a lot of other working groups, meetings and more. It was welcoming to learn there were resources for us, some basic funding, along with partnerships. However, this took quite some time, understandably some thought that nothing would happen, or was happening. Therefore the initial emphasis this year has been with what our KSB Auditor terms, ‘quick wins’. These compliment the great work being done with the SNUG community garden. Partnerships, advisors & donors include STAR community flat, Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeen St Nicholas Rotary Club, Aberdeen Gurudwara, Cfine/ Keep Growing Aberdeen, Aberdeen City Health & Social Care Partnership, Shmu, ACVO, Clean Up Aberdeen & Keep Scotland Beautiful
By reaching out with areas throughout Seaton & Linksfield, we bring what had been asked – colour, hope & positivity. Using the examples by Seaview/ Seaton & Donview House – the 9 community garden areas, will be an ongoing legacy. Continually being built up, alongside residents thoughts & wishes. What they all achieved immediately were huge responses. Existing residents who had been putting in great work, suggested original ideas/ thoughts, we have then started these plans with the ‘quick wins’. An original intention of doing 1 large seated/ peaceful garden area (6), turned into ongoing work with residents, with 9 areas.
“So you are just a gardening group?”
“I am not interested in gardening or growing food!”
2022 Spring responses
We are, as our name suggests, passionate about community wellness. But no, we are not just a gardening group or food growers. It is through chats & engagement with the examples here that we have been able to meet residents, guests, families & carers. As a direct result we have been able to arrange further activities through partners, such as monthly soup & sandwiches event. Upcoming we have walks, strengthening exercises, digital sessions, arts & crafts, events & more. Residents are taking ownership of spaces – which are their gardens. Learning what else could be done, understanding that changes come from their ideas, with the ability to also be hands on and a part of things too.
Note that this example reflects supporting the elderly members of our community, but we have something for every age, background & ability. These spaces will not just be enjoyed by 150, 55+ households, but by the whole community passing by. Intergenerational working is coming up soon, continuing to break down barriers, inviting everyone to enjoy their community & learn about their fellow residents.
These areas are the start of the Seaton Trails (Seaton & Linksfield neighbourhoods), which will be mapped, have signage with QR codes, encouraging all to have a look around and connect with nature. It is also a wonderful way to invite people in to Seaton, with a purpose, uniting the neighbourhoods with other wards & the whole of Aberdeen!
Would you like to volunteer? Apply now! Any questions then contact us, at any time. Our next events are 30th July – Seaton Tour & 10th August Community garden festival