“Life Grows On” Therapeutic Garden Project Receives Grant from Manx Lottery Trust
Sight Matters has been awarded a grant of £21,385 from Manx Lottery Trust as part of the Thematic Funding Programme. This generous funding will be used to transform an unused dog pen into a tranquil, therapeutic garden as part of the “Life Grows On” project.
In partnership with Cruse Bereavement Support Isle of Man, Alzheimer's Society, and the Manx Deaf Society, the garden will offer a peaceful and inclusive space for individuals to engage in therapeutic gardening activities aimed at supporting emotional healing and well-being.
The “Life Grows On” garden will be a sanctuary for members of all four charities, providing a calm environment where participants can connect with nature, reflect, and build resilience. Gardening is widely recognised for its mental health benefits, including stress reduction and cognitive function improvement, and the project will help foster stronger community ties.
The garden will be fully accessible, with features such as raised planters, tactile signage, and guided gardening sessions to ensure that individuals with sight loss, hearing impairments, or cognitive challenges can fully participate. This initiative aligns with local health strategies and will provide a meaningful, sensory-friendly space for those in need.
Peter Marshall from Sight Matters said: “We are incredibly grateful to Manx Lottery Trust for their generous support of the ‘Life Grows On’ project. This funding will allow us to create a much-needed therapeutic space where members of our community can come together, reflect, and experience the healing power of nature. Gardening offers so many benefits, and we’re excited to provide an inclusive, accessible environment where people can nurture both plants and their own emotional wellbeing.”
Stephen Turner, Chairman of Manx Lottery Trust, added: “It’s brilliant to see the collaboration between Sight Matters and the other local charities in creating a space that will have such a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing. We are pleased to support this project, which will provide a peaceful retreat for individuals and strengthen connections within the community. We wish Sight Matters every success as they work to bring this important vision to life.”
The Manx Lottery Trust’s Thematic Funding Programme is designed to support projects that have a specific focus on addressing key community needs. This year’s theme, Space to Thrive, aims to fund initiatives that create environments where individuals and communities can flourish and grow, promoting wellbeing, inclusivity, and community engagement.
For more information about the Thematic Funding Programme and how to apply, visit www.mlt.org.im.
