After a successful year of John Muir from the pilot in February, we end 2023 with some great news for both John Muir Group 1 and FDAMH!

The group members who have successfully completed their Level 3 Awards have taken on an important campaign advocating for the connection between growing sustainable food, spending time outdoors, and mental health recovery. Their goal is to provide their local community with the necessary knowledge, tools, and resources to overcome barriers to growing nutritious food. 

The group have shown immense dedication to supporting their community. They hope to address local issues such as health inequalities, access to affordable produce, and environmental sustainability. Additionally, they are working with Falkirk Council’s Community Growing team to transform a disused plot of land into a community garden. This garden will act as a safe space for individuals affected by mental health issues and social isolation, providing them with an opportunity to learn and grow.

But that’s not all… thanks to all their hard work this year the group has been chosen to represent Scotland in ‘The Europe Challenge – Libraries, Communities and Democracy’!

The Europe Challenge is an annual programme that brings together libraries and communities across Europe to address pressing challenges in their local areas. The programme was first launched in 2020 by the European Cultural Foundation and partners. The Europe Challenge, is supported by Fondazione Cariplo, the Scottish Library and Information Council and by public funding through Arts Council England.

This group have worked their socks off to achieve their John Muir Awards and have made so much progress in many respects this year, it’s amazing to see their hard work being recognised on a local and European level! I’m sure everyone will join us in congratulating the group and wishing them the best of luck through their challenge and award.

Thanks again to our partners Sustainable Thinking Scotland, Darroch Nurseries, Falkirk Council and all our supporters and volunteers, we couldn’t make the magic happen without you.