A men’s wellbeing project in Plymouth is using gardening and green space to tackle the growing mental health crisis among men.
The Great Escape, based at the St Budeaux and Barne Barton Wellbeing Hub, is inviting local men to its Open Day on Thursday 17 July 2025, offering the chance to explore the project, meet participants, and enjoy a free cuppa and bacon roll.
Great Escape Plymouth Key Takeaways
- The Great Escape offers men in Plymouth a regular opportunity to connect through gardening and outdoor activities, supporting mental health and wellbeing in a non-clinical setting.
- An Open Day will be held on Thursday 17 July 2025 at the St Budeaux and Barne Barton Wellbeing Hub, offering visitors a chance to meet the team, explore the site, and learn more about the group.
- The project is funded by the North Yard Community Trust and forms part of wider community-based approaches to addressing social isolation and mental health.
Related Great Escape Plymouth News Article
New men’s gardening group launches at St Budeaux and Barne Barton Wellbeing Hub
Backed by the North Yard Community Trust, the project provides a safe, supportive space where men can meet regularly, connect with others, and improve their wellbeing through outdoor activity.
Green spaces and mental health
Studies have shown that time spent in green spaces can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. According to a 2021 report by the Mental Health Foundation, six in ten adults said being in nature had helped them cope during difficult times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. [1]
This approach sometimes called ‘green therapy’ or ‘ecotherapy’ is increasingly used as a form of social prescribing, where non-clinical interventions are offered to improve mental health. [2]
A study published in the journal Ecopsychology found that participation in structured gardening programmes led to improvements in mood, social functioning, and self-esteem. [3]
Addressing a growing need
Men in the UK are statistically less likely to seek help for mental health issues. According to Samaritans, men are three times more likely than women to die by suicide in the UK, with middle-aged men being at the highest risk. [4]
“I was feeling depressed. I heard about the Great Escape and thought I would see what it was like. Coming here each week gives me something to look forward to and keeps me busy.”
said one participant.
“Being part of the Great Escape is about teamwork. Working together to make a
difference. Its more than a group it’s a sense of belonging”
A community-first approach to
The project forms part of a wider network of services delivered by Colebrook South West, a social enterprise offering wellbeing support across Plymouth. Staff say they have seen the impact of the Great Escape firsthand from improved confidence to stronger support networks.
The need for community-based projects like The Great Escape is reflected in local data. In Plymouth, around 15.9% of adults have been diagnosed with depression which is higher than the national average and more than a quarter of residents (25.4%) report high levels of anxiety. Social isolation remains a concern too, with 24% saying they often feel lonely [5]. As the city continues to address these challenges, initiatives that combine outdoor activity, peer support, and a sense of belonging like The Great Escape offer a practical way to improve mental wellbeing and strengthen community connections.
The Open Day will run from 11am to 1pm and is open to anyone who wants to learn more or get involved. No experience with gardening is needed.
For more information, contact Jo Cole on 07890 257 649 or email wellbeinghub@colebrooksw.org.
