MLHD is partnering with mental health consumers in an innovative gardening project to help improve mental health outcomes and boost sustainable practices.
As part of the ‘Let’s Go Green’ program, consumers and staff from the local Mental Health Recovery Unit can volunteer to be involved in an organic waste composting initiative at the Wagga Wagga Health Service campus.
MLHD’s Manager Strategic Development, Drug and Alcohol Early Intervention Programs, Erica Engelbrecht, said the initiative will have environmental and health benefits for the community.
“The project aims to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill by starting a composting system which will be used to sustain the vegetable, herb and flower gardens at the local Safe Haven,” Ms Engelbrecht said.
“Gardening is a great activity to boost mood and lower levels of stress and anxiety, as well as improving strength and mobility.”
The project aligns with MLHD’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy 2022-2024, and the District will use the project to inform other similar initiatives.
“By reducing general waste going to landfill, composting it, and using it in our garden, we will reduce methane and carbon dioxide and support an overall reduction in our carbon footprint. Participants in the project will also gain transferable skills which can be used in everyday life.”
NSW Health Environmental Sustainability Lead, Dr Kate Charlesworth, said MLHD is creating a healthy sustainable future.
“Thanks to NSW Health’s Sustainable Futures Innovation Fund, we are able to support our health staff in driving this wonderful community project,” Dr Charlesworth said.
The NSW Health Sustainable Futures Innovation Fund supports staff-led innovation projects that improve patient care and reduce environmental impacts in emissions or waste.
