A PILOT project has been launched to improve mental health and wellbeing through gardening.

People living with depression or anxiety are being urged to join the project at Grozone community garden, in Northwich town centre.

NHS Vale Royal Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has set up the pilot with Groundwork Cheshire, which runs Grozone.

Dr Jonathan Griffiths, GP chairman of Vale Royal CCG, said: “Grozone is a fantastic programme which is suitable for people with a range of physical capabilities and access needs.

“The CCG wanted to provide something in the area that would support people with depression and anxiety, get them out of the house and hopefully improve their health and wellbeing.

“It is free to people who are registered with a GP practice in the Vale Royal area and you can apply for a place by filling out a referral form from your doctor’s or online.”

Activities will be tailored to meet individual needs but may include plant propagation, fruit and vegetable growing, cooking, garden maintenance, conservation tasks and arts and crafts.

The programme runs from September 3 to November 19 and takes place from 1pm to 3pm on Wednesdays.

For a copy of the referral form, visit valeroyalccg.nhs.uk/publication and click on ‘Grozone Information Leaflet and Referral Form’.