About Veterans Garden Dumfries
In 2011 as part of the First Base Agencies Veterans Project, A Garden Project was set up at Carnsalloch Walled garden near Kirkton, Dumfries and Galloway.
The garden project for veterans took on the role of bringing the garden back into use which had several greenhouses within the confines of the Walled garden itself.
The garden had not been worked on for several years but within a few weeks’ veterans who had both physical and mental health issues brought the garden back into use as well as ensuring that the greenhouses were nurtured and return to produce some excellent vegetables and fruit.
The knock on effect to this was that veterans who were suffering lower mental health issues such as loneliness and isolation became part of a nearly 70 person team, looking after the garden and also helping themselves get back into the team spirit that is well known within the forces.
The Garden project was overseen by a coordinator and mentor who regularly checked on the mental well-being of the veterans and coordinated events to ensure that they had a reason for returning to the garden.
In the seven years since the garden project has been in operation it has helped upward of 100 veterans come to terms with their issues, supported by an NHS Mental health Nurse practitioner.
In March 2018 the project was advised that the owner was selling the land at auction. In the short period of time since and through contact with the Crichton Trust and the Armed Forces Champion for Dumfries and Galloway the project now has the use of the old Nursery at the Crichton Campus. The buildings and green houses on the land are b listed but have not been used for several years. However they are an ideal setting for the future of the project.
The project team signed a licence to inhabit the Crichton Nurseries in April 2018, and are in the process of moving into those buildings and greenhouses, indeed very similar to the first move into Carnsalloch garden.
The project will become a SCIO in its own right and have started that process using the assistance of Third Sector D&G.
The next steps of this Project are hereby written as the Business Plan and Strategy of the Dumfries Armed Forces Veterans and Breakfast Club.
Our Mission
To provide a Veterans Garden Project for the serving and ex service community of Dumfries and Galloway area through which individuals of all services and ages, will have access to meeting spaces, advice, information and guidance, educational, social and leisure opportunities.
We also aim to ensure the longer-term viability of this Garden Project by achieving best value, working with the Crichton Trust to access community grants and encourage a degree of self–sustainability from income from the services we provide.
To also bring back into use two B listed Buildings including the Green Houses which have significant historical value to the Crichton Estate and the Town of Dumfries.
Values
We will treat people with dignity and respect regardless of race, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability and age. At all times, people’s feelings will be valued and respected.
We value the contribution made by Clients, Volunteers, Staff, Trustees, Statutory and Third Sector Partners. We will use their time and resources responsibly and efficiently.
We value the responsibility invested in the Board of Trustees and will sustain that trust by operating in an open and responsible manner.
We will seek to reduce the carbon footprint of our premises and services. The Project will use fairly traded, ecologically acceptable and locally sourced products and services wherever possible.