New Horizons encouraging people to grow together

WITH Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week in full swing, one Strabane enterprise is aiming to brighten up a child’s day by giving away a free primrose with each purchase.

New Horizons, situated on the Derry Road produced the idea to bring awareness to the mental health of our youngest people.

Garden centre manager Iris Black says the inspiration behind the idea came from her own family.

“I had my grandchildren with me at the garden centre and saw how they were really enjoying being out in the open air and helping out around the centre. They were absolutely loving life. We took a video which I have posted up on my own personal Facebook page.

“At the same time, I saw the Mental Health Awareness Week advertised online so I thought it would be a great idea if we got some children to come along to the centre, plant a few primroses and just enjoy being active while getting a flower to boot. Plus, it might get a few sales for the centre.”

In this most pertinent of weeks Iris is quick to point to the benefits of getting mobile.

“Doing something of this nature is of massive benefit to anyone, but especially children. The chance to get active, plant a few flowers while learning about them is wonderful stimulation for young inquisitive minds. The plants, the fresh air and even just the wee dander alone around the centre is good enough to lift anyone.

“Even if it is raining, they can enjoy a very sensory experience while improving their own mental health.”

With Valentine’s Day, St Patrick’s Day and Mother’s Day all creeping up, Iris says that it’s a busy time for the garden centre, a Valentine’s day display is currently being given the finishing touches, and while nothing like the primrose idea has been earmarked yet, she is happy to ‘go with the flow’ if the opportunity arises for something similar.