The know-how TO GROW

Former GP Anne Hayden MBE, 68, from Bournemouth is using her retirement to help us grow our own produce

For many, retirement can be a chance to pursue their passions and make a difference to others. One such woman is Anne Hayden, founder of the ‘Your Planet Doctors’ initiative (facebook.com/yourplanetdoctors), which helps people to grow their own fruit and veg. She set up the organisation in January 2020, after retiring as a GP, and for her it represented a chance to continue helping others by boosting their mental health, connecting communities and preserving our planet.

“Supporting people in need has been a central part of my life, says Anne. “In my 30 years as a GP in Dorset, I devised numerous projects to improve mental health, for which I was awarded an MBE. As I started to approach retirement, I wanted to find a way to continue this.”

Anne was already aware of issues around the environment and potential food shortages. She had also read some powerful research around how gardening can help people’s mental health: this mindful activity changes the brain, boosting the rational, calming part and shrinking the area that triggers stress responses. “It struck me that there could be a way to tackle both problems, by helping people grow produce for themselves or others in need,” explains Anne. “Whether it was herbs on a windowsill, a vegetable patch in the garden or a big community project, our aim was to empower people to learn new skills, help the environment, connect with others and reap the wellness benefits of all this.”

Then the pandemic hit. “During those first months it became clear how reliant we all are on supermarket supply chains, and what happens when they’re disrupted,” she says. “More positively, we saw communities coming together – looking out for neighbours, creating local groups. It felt very timely, and our initiative went from strength to strength.”

Your Planet Doctors has since partnered with Grounded Community, a charity that runs gardening workshops and helps redistribute surplus food to those in need. “We’ve started working on a project with a housing association for an estate with outdoor space, providing residents with starter packs, including seeds, compost and tools, and the know-how to grow,” says Anne. “We’re also creating templates so that areas all around the UK can get involved. Ultimately, we’d love the whole country to be growing for themselves and those who need it.”

For Anne, her retirement enterprise has proved to be a win-win. “Getting out in the fresh air and being active have huge mental and physical benefits. Then there’s the great feeling of connecting with and supporting others. I feel really lucky working on a project I’m so passionate about. I hope we can become a real force for change.”

“Our aim was to empower people to learn new skills and reap the wellness benefits”