Welcome to
Abbey Physic Community Garden
Helping our members and the wider public maintain or improve their physical and mental health and wellbeing, build diverse skills and confidence, reduce social isolation and connect with their community. Through our commitment to equality and diversity and provision of inclusive services and support we aim to break down the stigma of mental ill health and build understanding and empathy.
Email or visit our social media links for other news, comments and event updates.
Bank Holidays and Staff Training in April and May 2023
As you might know there are a lot of bank holidays coming up in April and May. We also have some really important staff training days coming up for the whole APCG team, and we could only fit these in on a Monday.
So there a few days when the garden will be opening at slightly different times or regretably will be closed for the day - we are open as usual all other days of the week. If you have any questions or concerns about this please do get in touch at: tom.abbeyphysic@gmail.com or by calling 01795 539915 during garden hours.
The dates and times are:
- Friday 7th April - Bank Holiday - Open from 10am to 2pm, lunch will be served as usual
- Sunday 9th April - Open as usual 11am to 2pm
- Monday 10th April - Bank Holiday - Open from 11am to 2pm
- Monday 17th April - Staff Training - Closed for the day
- Monday 24th April - Staff Training - Closed for the day
- Monday 1st May - Bank Holiday - Closed for the day
- Monday 8th May - Bank Holiday - Closed for the day
- Monday 15th May - Staff Training - Closed for the day
- Monday 22nd May - Open as Usual 10am to 3pm - Qi Gong session for May on this date
- Monday 29th May - Bank Holiday - Closed for the day
We'll return to our usual Monday opening from Monday, 5th June onwards - with apologies for any inconvenience caused.
Best wishes - The APCG Team.
We hope there is something for everyone here, whether you would like to do some gardening, meet and spend time with people, join in with a group or activity, or just find a quiet corner to relax in nature.
*UPDATED FOR SPRING 2023* Click here for a list of days and times for current activities, and groups, as well as upcoming events at the garden.
Anyone can become a member - contact us at tom.abbeyphysic@gmail.com, call 01795 539915, visit our membership page, or come along to the garden any time during members' opening hours to find out more.
Current Opening Times
Now Open to the Public Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Monday - 10am - 3pm
Tuesday - Horticulture Group
Wednesday - 10am - 3pm
Thursday - 10am - 3pm
Friday - 10am - 3pm (Open to the public)
Saturday - 11am - 2pm (Open to the public))
Sunday - 11am - 2pm (Open to the public)
Keep up with all of the latest news from the garden, find out about activities, groups, and upcoming events by clicking the buttons and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter:
If you have any questions or comments, please get in touch at 01795 539915 or at communitygarden@abbeyphysic.org
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Very best wishes,
The Abbey Physic Community Garden Team
Ways to Wellbeing at The Garden
From our 'Gardening For The Mind' course, to wellness workshops, talking groups, and drop-in sessions of Qui Gong Tai Chi and Havening, there are many different ways to wellness at the APCG.
Wellbeing Activities at APCG
Focus On: The Happy Cafe
Click here to visit the official lottery website for full details.
Support The Garden - And Win Up To £25,000!
The Faversham and District Community Lottery is an innovative new fundraising scheme from Faversham Town Council. Your purchase of tickets at £1 each not only allows you to directly fund good causes like the Abbey Physic Community Garden, but also enters you for a weekly prize draw with cash prizes from £25 up to £25,000!
Please click the button below to get your tickets in support of the ongoing work of the garden - thank you.
The Faversham and District Community Lottery is an innovative new fundraising scheme from Faversham Town Council. Your purchase of tickets at £1 each not only allows you to directly fund good causes like the Abbey Physic Community Garden, but also enters you for a weekly prize draw with cash prizes from £25 up to £25,000!
Please click the button below to get your tickets in support of the ongoing work of the garden - thank you.
Have a look at some of the things we do.
Everyone welcome, get in contact and join in, we'd love to see you.
All Year Round Gardening
Help to maintain our award winning garden in the heart of Faversham.
Growing a Healthy Community
What we offer
The APCG offers a healing space for all, regardless of age, culture or ability.
- We help breakdown social isolation through informal networking by providing a space to meet casually, to relax and de-stress.
- Participation can support members improve their ability to manage thoughts, emotions and build social relationships.
- Improve confidence to support members natural ability to learn and acquire skills, ultimately enabling full participation in their community.
- We focus on the Garden's ability to affect good mental and physical health.
Who we are for
We actively support people isolated by their mental or physical health, or social and economic disadvantage, and we give them a community to feel a part of.
For many people it is a delightful destination during a pleasant day out. For others who take a different path to the Physic Garden, it is a far more meaningful place.
You will find a peaceful refuge from a life outside which may be chaotic or troubled.
The benefits that people gain include social connections, self-confidence, physical and emotional well-being, and not least the simple knowledge that people care for them.
We work in partnership with many local groups and organisations.
Why we are needed
We know the statistic of 1 in 4 experiencing mental health issues, and we know rates of self-harm in the UK are the highest in Europe.
We also know that people with mental health issues are amongst the least likely of any group with long-term mental health issues to:
- Find work
- Be in a long-term relationship
- Live in decent housing
- Be socially included in mainstream society
Research from Time to Change shows the best way to challenge discrimination and stereotypes is through first-hand contact with people with experience of mental health issues.
That is why we are open to everyone, the wider community, schools and groups, over 5,000 visitors a year.
Why APCG?
Better for our members
Improved mental health, less social isolation, new friends and more consumption of healthy food are just some of the benefits that people enjoy from taking part in the garden and its activities.
Better for the environment
As well as gardening organically we garden sustainably, following the principles of Permaculture and act as a Land Learning Centre in conjunction with the Permaculture Association.
Better for the community
In 2019 over 6,000 people visited the garden.
As well as local people we welcomed visitors from countries in Europe, Australia, and even a South Korean film crew who spent a day documenting what we do to take the gardening for health message back home.
