A Ceredigion community learning programme is running numeracy sessions alongside a gardening project.

Dysgu Bro Ceredigion, a community learning programme, has partnered with Gorwelion Day Hospital in Aberystwyth to run these numeracy sessions within their gardening group.

Spanning from February to November each year, this gardening project caters to hospital clients.

The group meets weekly to nurture the garden, engaging in activities such as soil cultivation, planting, and harvesting.

Both staff and clients benefit from the fruits of their labour.

The positive impact of gardening on mental health is widely acknowledged, offering benefits such as improved mood, reduced stress and anxiety, social interaction opportunities, a connection with nature, and therapeutic effects helpful for conditions like PTSD, depression, and dementia.

Furthermore, gardening presents various avenues for enhancing numeracy skills.

Multiply, a project aimed at improving adult numeracy skills, funded by the UK’s Shared Prosperity Fund, has joined forces with the gardening group.

Group members have expressed their appreciation for the initiative, with one participant stating: "I have found coming to the garden group really beneficial for my mental health, and I enjoy being out in the open air, socialising with others and learning new skills."

Attending the group, Dysgu Bro Multiply tutor Liz Porter incorporates maths into the activities, involving measuring, planning, and plant cost calculation.

Some group members are also working towards an accredited numeracy qualification from Agored Cymru.

Ms Porter observed: "Participants have been able to refresh numeracy skills they may not have used for some time and have supported each other.

"I am delighted that so many will achieve their qualification. Great work, everyone!"

Ceredigion’s cabinet member for schools, lifelong learning, and skills, Councillor Wyn Thomas, commended the initiative, saying: "It is truly heartwarming to see the remarkable collaboration between Dysgu Bro and Gorwelion Day Hospital.

"The integration of numeracy sessions into the therapeutic gardening project is a testament to our community’s innovative spirit and commitment to wellbeing.

"This initiative beautifully demonstrates how we can intertwine mental health support with educational growth, creating a nurturing environment for all involved."

For more information on benefitting from extra numeracy support, individuals or groups can reach out to Dysgu Bro’s Multiply team at admin@dysgubro.org.uk.