A DROITWICH man has been benefitting from a new gardening group set up through St Richard’s Hospice.

The Men’s Space gardening group, which runs in the hospice grounds, was established to offer mean with life-threatening illnesses space to relax and meet others in similar situations.

It was set up by horticultural expert Duncan Coombs, a recently retired lecturer from Pershore College, who offers his expertise to the men, some of whom have little or no gardening experience.

Vanessa Gibson, community team leader at St Richard’s, explained how the group came about. She said: “We noticed that it is predominantly women who attend our support groups and so we decided to set up a group especially for men. There is always a nurse on hand in case anyone feels poorly or wants to talk about his illness. We find that this is a good introduction to the hospice and gives men the opportunity to share their problems, and perhaps prevent them from being alone.

“The ethos of the group is that sometimes in the midst of hospital appointments, health concerns and treatments, patients may need some space.”

Chris Green, a 51-year-old from Droitwich, has a brain tumour and is currently being supported by the hospice’s ‘at home’ service.

He has been part of the Men’s Space Group since it started.

He said; “I have really enjoyed picking up new skills, such as learning how to prick out seedlings and how to take hard and softwood cuttings. I enjoy coming along to the group as there’s a real sense of friendship and we have a bit of a laugh. It gives us all a break from the serious business of life, but we have the opportunity to share our problems if we want to.”

The group is run in informal sessions, where the men can take part in gardening activities which match their ability or take a break for a cup of tea and a chat in the group’s dedicated shed. They’ve already enjoyed a successful crop of new potatoes, tomatoes and salad leaves with lots more coming on in the garden. growing fast.

Duncan Coombs, the volunteer group leader, said; “We thought it would be fun to set up a group so that chaps can get together and do some light gardening, have a cup of tea and a chat. It would give them a break and learn a bit about gardening – some know a little and some have lots of knowledge to share. The group plans their activities week by week, and over the summer have been growing vegetables such as tomatoes, potatoes, lettuce and sweetcorn. It doesn’t really matter how successful the harvest is, it’s the process of tending to the plants that the men find therapeutic.”

To join the Men’s Space group, men must have a confirmed life-threatening diagnosis from a south Worcestershire GP and be referred to St Richard’s Hospice.

Anyone can refer patients to the group including the patients themselves and hospice staff will then liaise with the patient’s GP.

There are a variety of support groups on offer through St Richard’s, but the Men’s Space gardening group is the first group that has been established for men only.

For more information please contact the triage nurse at St Richard’s Hospice on 01905 763963 or write to triage@strichards.org.uk.