A community garden in Glasgow is helping people lead more independent and healthy lives.

People at Loretto Care’s Maryhill Personalisation and Self Directed Support Service (Learning Disabilities Glasgow) are transforming the area around their homes into a community garden.

By growing healthy fruit and veg they’re keeping active, learning about healthy eating, getting out in the open air and mixing with other people.

And the garden is also a vital way of promoting health through increased physical activity, reducing isolation and giving people more say in how they live their lives.

Loretto Care’s Maryhill Service supports 32 people who have learning disabilities, alcohol and drug addiction, mental health issues, head injuries or who have experienced homelessness.

Steven Neil, one of the people Loretto Care works for, is taking the lead on the gardening project.

He said: “We’ll be growing all sorts, including potatoes, apples, strawberries, onions and peppers - but anyone can grow what they want.

“It’s good to learn new skills and people will get a lot out of it. I’m really looking forward to seeing it all come together.”

As well increasing their contact with each other, the group is building links with the wider community.

The group has already visited other allotments to get ideas, while staff from Tesco and garden centre firm Dobbies have already provided equipment and will be running training sessions.

Service manager Maureen Grant said: “The garden is great for getting people to mix and build their skills.

“Everyone can get involved, no matter their abilities - people can participate as much or as little as they want.

“It also increases confidence and can be a real boost to mental health.

“Everyone looks so happy. The garden will make a real difference.”

Part of Wheatley Group, Loretto Care aims to build a positive, empowering framework for care and support, giving individuals the freedom to direct their own care and support to achieve their own unique support package.

@LorettoCare