Garden Buddies will match tenants, who require assistance with their garden, with a friendly volunteer to share gardening skills and friendship. Initially the service is being piloted in Glasgow and Ayrshire but if it is successful will be available to all 3,330 tenants across the west of Scotland.

WSHA is seeking friendly and reliable volunteers who enjoy gardening and have a couple of hours a month to assist tenants to enjoy their garden space. The service is available to tenants who are 65 and over or who have a physical or mental health issue or learning difficulty.

Michelle Riley, volunteer coordinator at WSHA, said: “As people age, or if they have health issues or learning difficulties, it can become difficult to manage some of the everyday tasks that many of us take for granted and a neglected garden can be very worrying for them - Garden Buddies aims to address this.

“Some gardening experience would be useful but is not essential as support and training will be available. This is a great opportunity to share gardening skills, build new friendships, be healthier and have fun.”