Local group has ‘so much more to it than meets the eye’

It would not be the pinnacle of presumptuousness to hear the name ‘Strathroy Community Garden and Shed’ and assume you get the picture.

However, chances are, you’re overlooking quite a bit of what makes this group so special.

See, far from being an exclusive club created only for the benefit of the green-fingered folk born-and-bred in the sprawling housing estate, Strathroy Community Garden and Shed actually offers a range of ‘alternative therapies’ to promote health and well-being.

Earlier this week, ahead of their Annual General Meeting (AGM) which is scheduled to take place in Strathroy Community Centre this evening (Thursday), we spoke with one of the group’s founders, Patrick Hosey.

“Yes, the name has caused some confusion,” acknowledged Patrick, an indigenous Strathroy man.

“It has misled a lot of people to think that it is only for residents of area, and that all we do is gardening – but neither of these things are actually true.”

While there has, historically, been a focus on landscaping and gardening within the group – which is in large part down to the harmony Patrick himself has found in horticulture – the group’s ethos is one of reacting to the needs of its members.

“The gardeners meet between 11am and 1pm on the second Saturday of every month, and we do all-things gardening. Those taking part are given seeds, demonstrations, and cooking advice, and they learn about planting; the right plants to grow, how to use a polytunnel, and growing using raised beds, etc.”

However, the gardening is a kind of conduit – a means to an end – for something far more important.

“It is all about contact, socialising and supporting well-being and health,” reflected Patrick. “Everyone needs an outlet as well as a challenge.

“So many people out there are suffering from isolation, depression and anxiety. I’m not saying we have the cure to fix all that, but getting out and doing something, no matter how small, is better than doing nothing.

“Indoor and outdoor gardening and alternative therapies to promote health and relaxation should be high on everyone’s agenda, and if you can have the craic, meet new friends, learn new skills and, generally, feel a part of a group working towards a goal, then you’ve already achieved a lot.”

Patrick then spoke about challenges he has faced in his own life, and how he has attempted to transmute this negativity into something capable of helping others overcome similar struggles.

“I look around, and see so many people affected by drink, drugs and poor diets, and I say, ‘you are better than that’.

“I was fond of my food, too fond, and I’m still carrying a bit of weight.

“My way of dealing with it was to shut myself away for three or four months, but I eventually realised hibernating does not tackle the problem.

“My father died at 50 from heart trouble, and my brother passed away at 52 from heart disease, and I blame stress for both passings. That’s the problem these days: Men, in particular, are afraid to admit they have challenges in their lives.

“They think it’s weak to ask for help or to talk about their problems.

“It’s the way we were brought up: Be the alpha male, don’t cry.

“We all need a hug, we all need to stop being cowards and start helping ourselves,” admitted Patrick.

As well as gardening, the group run cookery classes and a number of other therapies that they believe can help attendees find satisfaction.

“During our AGM, which starts at 7.30pm tonight (Thursday), we hope to hear more ideas about what people would like us to do. We are looking at art classes, writing workshops, drumming circles and walking groups. If you or somebody you know would like to see a particular activity or way of working introduced, let us know, and we will see what we can do. All opinions, information and feedback will be welcomed.

“We want to do whatever we can to support local people who may be isolated or suffering from depression or anxiety.

“Now, more than ever, these kinds of community projects are needed.

“With the help of the community, we can create a safe space for people to come and relax, socialise, unwind, and maybe even learn a thing or two.”

Concluding, Patrick highlighted the inclusive, non-discriminating, open ethos of the group.

“It’s not a men’s shed, it’s an everyone’s shed – men and women of all ages, teenagers and children.

“Everyone is welcome.

“We exist for one reason: To make the lives of people in Omagh better, healthier and happier.”