Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER Published: 3 August 2007
Pictured, from left: Susan Osmaan, Nigel Pike, Frank Ciotakis, Carol Louvet, Hammad Limbada, Anna Tate , Tara Jeewoonavain and Debbie Dilley
Beating stress is as simple as a walk in the garden in Holloway
STRESSED out and need somewhere to unwind and relax?
A new “chill out” walk-in and wildlife centre is available in Shelburne Road, Holloway, thanks to a scheme which aims to take the stigma out of mental health
The scheme got a boost on Tuesday when the Holloway Neighbourhood Group Stress Project was presented with a cheque for £1,000 by mobile phone firm O2 to complete a new nature area.
The garden will include a sensory area with pungent herbs and a small water feature where people can relax and unwind.
People are able to drop in on Thursday from 11.30am to 3.30pm with an appointment for a one-to-one consultation, reflexology or Indian head massage.
Carol Louvet, director of the project said: “ The garden will be themed around the five senses with herbal and aromatherapy plants to stimulate smell, colours to promote relaxing and energising moods, herbs for cooking and a water feature to provide soothing background sounds.”
As well as benefiting people with stress, the garden with present new opportunities and skills for people who have mental health problems . “People will be able to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of connecting with the natural environment and the fulfilment of being actively involved in a creative process,” Ms Louvet added.
For more information call 020 7700 3938.