By Karen Mengell, VET Co-ordinator and Pathways Planning Officer

At CERES we offer a range of hands-on gardening and environmental training programs to support individuals develop skills, build confidence, open up opportunities for greater social connection and ultimately identify and take steps towards more formal training and employment.

We also recognise there are a wide range of reasons why individuals may experience barriers to undertaking training or securing employment, including physical and mental health issues.  Both gardening and engagement with nature are recognised ways of improving both physical health and mental wellbeing, and can lead to real changes in people’s lives.

“Got me all re-energised so now I want to do more�

“I learnt some important lessons that affect which direction I will take next�

“Thank you for sharing your knowledge and inspiring me�

“I’ve taken from it knowledge that will empower me as an individual�

CERES offers the following courses that can be ACFE subsidised to support eligible individuals:

• Sustainable Gardening
• Complete Urban Farmer
• Introduction to Landscaping and Garden Maintenance
• Environmental Education

We also offer an accredited Introduction to Horticulture which consists of three Certificate II Horticulture units for those who cannot commit to a longer course at this stage.

The benefits from the courses offered at CERES expand far beyond building new skills. With a combination of physical activity, awareness of natural surroundings, cognitive stimulation and the satisfaction of the work, partaking in these courses can also be incredibly therapeutic for mental health.  There is a wealth of evidence that demonstrates how getting your hands deep into soil and connecting to the outdoors has many therapeutic bonuses.

• Reduces stress. Getting close with natural elements such as plant life and soil reduces stress, elevate our mood, and promotes relaxation as it puts us into a state of meditation. There is also evidence that it reduces depression and other mental illnesses as our minds are able to focus on purposeful tasks and we are in contact with the calming ways of nature.
• Reduce fears of isolation – Being outdoors in gardens and outdoor spaces with other participants reduces the sense of isolation as you are connecting with others and enjoying a common purpose.
• Increases self-esteem – Nurturing seeds, growing seedlings, tending to the soil are all ways of making positive change to the world. These tangible experiences caring for plant life leads to an increase of brain hormones, meaning higher self-esteem! Also working in a team and developing the skills to grow your own food is a great way to make you feel good
• Regulates immune systems – Having direct contact with soil alleviates symptoms of allergies and asthma. The air is cleaner and dirt is full of healthy microorganisms.
• Helps prevent dementia – Getting into the garden reduces the risk of dementia because it requires you to think, learn and use creativity. Keeping the mind active like this reduces the risk of degenerative diseases such as dementia.
• Creates community contact – Working outdoors with like-minded people is also a great way to connect and interact within a community improving emotional and psychological health.