A community garden, designed to boost mental health, has opened in Braintree.

Located on the Recreational Ground on John Ray Street, the Braintree Community Garden is a new therapeutic space, offering support to those facing mental health problems through gardening and community interaction.

Councillor Lynette Bowers-Flint, the cabinet member for housing, health and wellbeing at Braintree District Council, said: "We are very happy to have created this space and to see it complete.

"This community garden is a collaborative effort between our council and local stakeholders with the view to improve the mental and physical health and wellbeing of people in our community.

"We are very pleased to be partnering with the Wilderness Foundation UK and Braintree Recreation CIO to work on this initiative, and together we aim to create a nurturing environment where individuals can find support and solace."

The garden was established with financial support from the Essex County Council’s Changing Futures Programme of £25,000, and an additional £18,000 from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The funds were distributed to Braintree Recreation CIO for garden construction, Cressing Temple Community Shed for building benches and raised beds, and the Wilderness Foundation UK for organising community sessions and the purchase of tools.

The Wilderness Foundation, a promoter of the beneficial impacts of green spaces and community activities on mental health and wellbeing, has commenced weekly gardening sessions.

These are designed for those dealing with intricate mental health problems and social isolation, aiming to provide holistic support and engendering a sense of purpose and belonging.