Harvesting wellbeing in Coconut Grove
Through the Green Thumbs community gardening program, social housing tenants in Coconut Grove aren’t just harvesting produce – they’re growing in confidence and nurturing their wellbeing.
Led by TeamHEALTH, the new initiative blends gardening with mental health support – providing a warm, supportive space where residents can connect with nature, develop new skills, and build meaningful relationships.
TeamHEALTH is a registered Community Housing Provider and manages a residential housing complex in Coconut Grove on behalf of the department.
The group is part of TeamHEALTH’s low-intensity mental health support services, funded by NT PHN. The evidence-based program provides tailored support for individuals aged 16-64 who are experiencing or at risk of mild mental illness, following a stepped care approach.
Through The Green Thumbs program, tenants are:
- Rolling up their sleeves to learn gardening techniques such as propagating, repotting, composting and seasonal planting
- Connecting with neighbours to establish a thriving community garden
- Enjoying the mental and physical benefits that come with spending time outdoors and staying active
- Bringing fresh, homegrown foods into their kitchens such as fruits, vegetables, and herbs, supporting healthy meals and sustainable living.
The community recently celebrated a 25-kilogram banana harvest and is now planning a baking workshop where they will use the fresh bananas to bake homemade banana bread to enjoy together.
The group meets every Saturday morning at the TeamHEALTH Community Housing Runge Street Complex. Participants also have the opportunity to connect with other nature groups and attend gardening-related events, such as free plant giveaways through the Darwin City Council and visits to the Botanical Garden.
Our partnership with TeamHEALTH goes beyond housing, supporting our broader community development goals by offering residents the opportunity to grow, connect and contribute to a stronger more sustainable community through programs like The Green Thumbs.
