Jaswinder Kaur has found healing and purpose through gardening after years of battling depression and anxiety. Now, she is using her experience and skills to support other women in the Black Country facing similar challenges.
Jaswinder runs a community allotment located in the Park Lane Estate, Tipton. This initiative is part of a wider pilot scheme aimed at revitalising the area, following a £500,000 investment from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).
Alongside the allotment project, the scheme has enabled the installation of solar panels on 35 homes in Tipton, helping to reduce energy bills and tackle fuel poverty. Additionally, a variety of social and activity groups are organised to improve both physical and mental well-being within the community.
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Originally from India, Jaswinder grew up learning farming and gardening skills from her father. However, upon moving to Handsworth, Birmingham, at the age of 19 in 1992, she initially faced difficulty practising her passion due to the urban environment dominated by concrete.
“As a daughter of a farmer, I’ve been working since I was four years old, learning everything from my dad back in India,” Jaswinder explained. “When I first arrived here, it was a big change - moving to Handsworth in December with so much snow. The garden outside was just slabs, a stark contrast to my upbringing surrounded by nature. For me, nature is life - I am nothing without it.”
In 2016, Jaswinder experienced a period of depression and anxiety. During a consultation, her GP encouraged her to pursue hobbies she enjoyed. She expressed a wish for a small garden space and soon began growing produce at an allotment in Oldbury. This experience transformed her mind and spirit.
“I love plants; I talk to them and feel they are like family,” she said. Inspired by her personal progress, Jaswinder established the community allotment to share the benefits with others.
Today, more than 150 women from various community centres visit the allotment, where they grow a variety of vegetables. Some of the produce is donated to local temples and community centres, allowing people to taste organic home-grown food.
“Women carry heavy responsibilities with their families and communities. Often, living at home, they rarely get opportunities to come together and discuss personal issues,” Jaswinder highlighted. “Spending time in nature through the allotment helps alleviate mental health struggles such as anxiety and loneliness. It gives them a chance to connect with others and feel happier.”
The group devoted two months to clearing the allotment site of rubbish and weeds to prepare planting beds. While progress has been made, Jaswinder notes that more work is necessary to fully develop the allotment.
The community allotment is one of several initiatives improving residents' physical and mental health in the Park Lane Estate. Other activities also focus on developing English language and digital skills.
These projects have been funded by Mayor Richard Parker and are led by the Bangladeshi Women’s Association (BWA) based at the Tipton Muslim Community Centre, with support from Sandwell Council.