Ahead of World Mental Health Day (10 October) and National Community Gardens Week (11–18 October), GAP Ireland is highlighting the power of community gardens to nurture wellbeing, social connection and inclusion.
Volunteers at GAP Ireland’s GLAS community gardens in Ballymun and Blanchardstown share how these urban green spaces are transforming lives: reducing stress, easing anxiety and creating a sense of belonging for people of all ages and backgrounds.
From 11–18 October, Ireland will celebrate National Community Gardens Week, a nationwide recognition of the role community gardens play in promoting wellbeing, encouraging social inclusion and strengthening our connection with nature.
To mark the week, GAP Ireland is highlighting the experiences of its volunteers. These gardens are not only places to grow food, but spaces where friendships flourish, hope is nurtured, and communities thrive.
Ahead of World Mental Health Day, GAP Ireland also draws attention to the proven benefits of community gardens for mental wellbeing.
Since 2011, the GLAS gardens have been vibrant hubs of organic gardening, environmental education, and social inclusion, welcoming people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. These green spaces give people the chance to slow down, connect with others, and find calm in nature – practical steps that research shows can reduce stress, ease anxiety, and lift mood.
For many volunteers, the gardens have become lifelines: places of belonging, healing and hope in the middle of the city.
Voices from the GLAS community gardens
- Marie, volunteer: (see video)
“I love being here. It helps me forget personal worries and meet people from many nationalities. I’ve learned so much about plants and gardening. It’s healthy for my mind and soul.” - Joe, volunteer: (See video)
“Volunteering here helps me focus on the tasks and enjoy fresh air. It’s relaxing and a great place to meet friends from different cultures.” - Paula, volunteer: (see video)
“I like the energy of the garden. Every Tuesday we go to the garden. It’s a nice feeling, being out in the garden.” - Joseph, asylum seeker: (See video)
“Sometimes people get depressed sitting at home. Here, getting fresh air and meeting others helps ease my anxiety. The garden is very important.” - Anonymous volunteer: (See video)
“I have anxiety issues. Volunteering in the garden each week helps me be present and supports my healing journey.” - Another volunteer:
“Since coming to the garden, my mental health has improved, and my humour has returned. I just love coming up here.” - Volunteer:
“I really, really love coming to the GLAS garden; it feels like a family meeting, full of love and respect.” - Volunteer:
“I came here during a difficult time. As someone new in Ireland, I often felt alone. The garden was a lifeline, a place to belong.” - Igor, volunteer:
“We were delighted with the beauty and coziness of the garden. It was an unforgettable experience!” - Oziegbe, volunteer:
“It’s like a home away from home. Being here makes you forget your worries, surrounded by the wonder smiles of Marie and Sharon.” - Anonymous volunteer:
“In the garden, I learned how to plant, nurture and care for plants, and how working together builds community.” - Bernadette, regular visitor:
“Families with children or adults with various needs praise the GLAS gardeners. The garden is safe, beautiful, and makes a massive difference.” - Ian Martin, corporate volunteer:
“The impact of GAP through their GLAS garden is remarkable. Our volunteers felt they made a real difference.” - Deva Kumar Anandan, corporate volunteer:
“I had a great experience at GLAS Garden. One lesson I’ll carry with me: never waste food; so many hands work hard to bring it to our tables.”
Growing Community, Cultivating Wellbeing
These stories reflect the gardens’ core values of inclusion, learning, and healing, and highlight their contribution to Dublin’s social and environmental wellbeing. GAP Ireland CEO Hans Zomer said:
“Our volunteers tell us what research confirms: community gardens are good for people. They ease stress, lift mood, and bring people together—especially in cities where green space is scarce.”
A 2023 evaluation by TU Dublin showed that GLAS garden users, including school classes, asylum seekers, and community groups, benefit from social inclusion, education, and occupational therapy.
“These gardens are real urban oases; places of hope, friendship, and belonging. Every community in Ireland should have one,” concluded Hans Zomer.
“By supporting community gardens, we can build healthier, happier, and more connected places to live.”
