A group of our young people have been volunteering at Arcadia Park in Kirkwall for the past 5 years, contributing significantly to the park’s development as a beautiful, relaxing, and much-loved green space for the local community.
The young people who choose to be involved in this group find that getting out into the fresh air and channelling their energy into doing something physical helps them. Over the past year, they have taken part in a wide variety of activities, including pruning shrubs, planting cuttings, weeding flowerbeds, planting colourful spring bulbs, and sowing wildflower seeds to encourage biodiversity.
Michael* was having a difficult time at home and he was angry about a lot of things in his life. He found participating in the gardening group and connecting with nature had a calming effect. The sense of purpose he felt while working in the outdoors also gave him a focus and conversations were easier in this environment. The group helped him think about the future and the type of job that he might like to do. We helped him gain other volunteering experience before supporting him through applying for and securing employment.
Robin* found that gardening within a group with others who experienced similar thoughts and feelings helped him build his confidence and make friends. The regular routine combined with the feeling of accomplishment meant that together they began working as a team.
A young person said:
I like the company and getting out of the house. It's good to be around other people in the group and people in the park.
The efforts of the group have helped shape the park into a more vibrant and welcoming place for Orkney residents of all ages to enjoy. In addition to the physical work, they have also shared ideas and taken part in discussions about potential future developments and improvements for the park.
A young person said:
I like it when someone says something nice about the park because it feels like my park now and it's like they are saying something good about me.
Bob McKenzie, who leads the gardening team, praised the group’s dedication and enthusiasm, saying that the Connect volunteers should be incredibly proud of the difference they’re making in their community.
*The names have been changed to protect the privacy of the young people.
