Luton in Bloom initiative presentation. Discussing the underlying purpose and the potential impact on individual and community wellbeing.

1. Transforming communities through connecting people and plants
Founder Sujel Miah

2. “Walking with a friend in the
dark is better than walking
alone in the light”
Helen Keller

3. How many
close friends
do you have?

4. How many friends
does the average
person have?

5. People in the UK have
2.6 best friends
on average.
You are most likely to have just
one best friend,
two good friends and
six to ten acquaintances

6. 1. Over a quarter (28%) of people across
all ages said they had no one they would
call a best friend
2. More than one in ten adults in the UK
have no close friends
3. Nearly one in five aged over 55 say
they haven’t made a new friend in the
last six years
4. Nearly one in ten (8%) of people say
they simply have no friends at all
Source: Yougov 2019

7. Defining
Social Isolation
and
Loneliness

8. Social Isolation: The state of being disconnected from social
relationships, community, or meaningful interactions.
Loneliness: The subjective feeling of being alone or lacking
companionship, even when surrounded by others.
These issues affect individuals across various age groups and can have severe consequences on mental,
emotional, and physical health.

9. The Harms of
Loneliness and
Social Isolation
Mental Health
Epidemic
Joseph Rowntree Foundation 2022

10. Loneliness is as harmful as smoking
15 cigarettes per day
Source: Heart 2016

11. Loneliness
increases
early death
by 50%

12. Global trends indicate that social isolation and loneliness are on the rise, partly
due to factors such as urbanisation, changing family structures, and the
pervasive use of technology.
Global Perspective
The World Health Organization
(WHO) estimates that around
1 in 10 people
globally feel lonely, with some
regions experiencing even
higher rates.
In the United States
approximately 43%
of adults over the age
of 60 report feeling
lonely.
Scientists from UCL and Finland
tracked 480,000 Britons for 7
years. Their findings in 2018
highlighted social isolation,
loneliness, or living alone can
increase the risk of premature
mortality by up to 50%

13. In the UK
According to a survey
conducted by the Office for
National Statistics, about
7.4 million people
in the UK reported feeling lonely
often or always (2018).
Age UK 2016 report indicates
that around 1.4 million
older people in the UK
experience chronic
loneliness.
The Campaign to End
Loneliness suggests that over
9 million people in the
UK, almost a fifth of the
population, are either
always or often lonely.
Data is Pre-Covid Pandemic

14. Physical Health Impact
Socially isolated
individuals have a
higher likelihood of
developing chronic
conditions like high
blood pressure,
heart disease,
obesity, and
diabetes.
Loneliness has been
linked to higher
levels of
inflammation, which
can contribute to
chronic diseases
such as diabetes,
arthritis, and
certain cancers.
A meta-analysis by
Valtorta et al. in the
journal Perspectives
on Psychological
Science suggests that
loneliness is
associated with a
29% increase in the
risk of coronary heart
disease and a 32%
increase in the risk of
stroke.

15. Mental Health Impact
Loneliness is
associated with
increased rates of
depression and
anxiety
Research indicates
that individuals who
lack social
connections are
more likely to
experience suicidal
thoughts and
engage in
self-harm.
Social isolation and
loneliness have been
associated with an
increased risk of
cognitive decline and
conditions like
dementia and
Alzheimer's
disease.

16. What can we do?

17. Cultivating
Connections:
Tackling Social
Isolation and
Loneliness through
Gardening

18. Luton in Bloom story…
Farming Community
Purpose
Food Security
Wellbeing
Intergenerational Legacy
Maintaining Relationships

19. The Mental Health Foundation reports that 88% of
people who garden for more than six hours per week
feel satisfied with their lives, compared to only 21% of
non-gardeners.

20. A survey by the National Garden Scheme discovered
that 79% of respondents felt that gardening improved
their mental health and well-being (2018).

21. Rewilding Luton
1. Physical, Mental and Emotional
Well-being
2. Social Connection and Community
Cohesion
3. Economic Growth and Civic Pride
4. Environmental and Sustainable Living
5. Educational Opportunities and a
Greener Mindset
Impacting Five Areas
Luton in Bloom

22. Physical, Mental & Emotional Well-being
1.The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)
reports that gardening can alleviate
symptoms of depression and anxiety,
providing a sense of purpose and
achievement.
2. A study conducted by the University
of Utah revealed that individuals who
engage in gardening activities for at
least 30 minutes a day lower their risk
of obesity and related health issues by
47%
3. A study by Soga et al. published in
Landscape and Urban Planning found
that engaging in gardening reduces
stress, improves mood, and enhances
self-esteem.
4. A survey conducted by Natural England
found that 88% of adults in the UK
agree that visiting green spaces, including
gardens, improves their health and
well-being.
5. According to a study published
by The King's Fund, investing in
community gardening projects can
result in long-term cost savings for
the NHS by promoting preventative
health measures.
1

23. “After 55 years of
working, when I retired I
didn’t know what to do.
Gardening at the
allotment, having others
to talk to saved my life.”
Mr Khan

24. 3. Intergenerational
Connection
The UK-based charity,
Groundwork, suggests that
community gardening projects
enhance community pride, trust,
and cooperation.
4. Trust & Belonging
02
03
04
01
Social Connection & Community Cohesion
2
Research by Pretty et al. (2009) suggests that community gardening projects foster social cohesion and provide a
platform for people from diverse backgrounds to come together, reducing isolation and promoting friendship.
1. Social Interaction
Gardening encourages social
interaction and a sense of belonging.
The National Garden Scheme found
that 80% of garden visitors reported
an increase in happiness and
connection.
A study published in the Journal of Aging
and Health found that community
gardening enhances social networks and
increases social support among adults,
reducing loneliness.
2. Social Networks
Gardening bridges the gap
between generations, promoting
meaningful interactions and
shared lived experiences.

25. What is the secret
to a happy and
healthy long life?

26. Good relationships
keep us happier and
healthier.
The Harvard study
spanning 85 years
highlighted those closer to
their family, friends, or
community tended to be
happier, healthier and
live longer than their less
social counterparts.
Robert Waldinger
Build Up Social Fitness!

27. No-one in Roseto under the age of 47 died of a heart
attack. There was a complete absence of heart
disease in men under the age of 55. The rate of heart
attacks in men over 65 was half the national
average. The death rates from all causes were 35%
lower than anywhere else in the country.
In Okinawa, Japan, a blue
zone area where people live
longer, healthier lives, they
create small groups called
“moais.”
A moai is a circle of friends
who support and encourage
each other through life.
The Power of Relationships on Longevity
Making Luton a Blue Zone town
Dan Buettner

28. 1
Gardening-related activities, such as
farmers' markets and plant nurseries,
can stimulate the local economy and
create employment opportunities.
2
The Federation of City Farms and
Community Gardens found that community
gardens generate economic value by
providing fresh produce, reducing food
costs for participants, and supporting local
food systems.
3
Urban gardens and vertical farming: Utilize limited
spaces effectively, providing opportunities for
residents to engage in gardening. Community-led
initiatives encourage urban communities to come
together and transform vacant lots into vibrant
green spaces.
4
Beautification and aesthetics: Window boxes, front
and rooftop gardens enable urban residents to
connect with nature and cultivate plants in urban
environments. Gardening enhances the visual appeal
of surroundings, contributing to a sense of pride and
well-being.
5
Well-maintained gardens and green
spaces have been associated with
increased property values, contributing
to the economic vitality of towns and
neighborhoods
Economic Growth & Civic Pride
3

29. “Five years ago I was
homeless. Gardening
gave me a second
chance at life.”
“It’s great to finally
find a community
where I fit in”
Ross Lee

30. 1
Gardening contributes to
a greener environment
by enhancing air quality,
reducing pollution, and
promoting biodiversity.
By growing your own
food, individuals can
reduce the carbon
footprint associated with
transporting and
packaging produce,
contributing to a more
sustainable food system.
2
The National Gardening
Association estimates
that an average-sized
garden can absorb and
sequester approximately
20 pounds of carbon
dioxide annually,
mitigating the impact of
greenhouse gas
emissions.
3
The American Community
Gardening Association
reports that community
gardens contribute to local
food security, providing
fresh produce to
individuals and families
who lack access to
nutritious options.
4
A study by the UK-based
National Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to
Children (NSPCC)
highlights that
community gardens can
act as green spaces,
improving the overall
quality of life in urban
areas.
Environmental Impact & Sustainable Living
4

31. Gardening initiatives in schools and community centers educate children and adults about sustainable food production,
promoting healthy eating habits and environmental awareness.The Royal Horticultural Society's "Campaign for School
Gardening" has demonstrated the positive impact of gardening on children's learning and development.
1
Improved nutrition: Gardening allows individuals to grow their own fresh fruits, vegetables, and
herbs, promoting a healthy and balanced diet.
Environmental consciousness: Gardening encourages environmental stewardship, promoting sustainable
practices and reducing carbon footprint.
Gardening provides a unique opportunity to connect with the natural world, fostering an
appreciation for the environment and ecological systems.
Educational Opportunities & Greener Mindset
5
2
3
4

32. Luton in Bloom 2023
- Community Farmers
Market
- Skills Training
- Awards Ceremony
- Gardening
Competition: 5
Categories
- Multimedia Campaign
- Community Portal
- Gardening Workshops
- Gardening Champions
- Community Planting
Immersion Day
Phase 1: We Grow Together
Phase 2: We Eat Together

34. Why should the Local Authority invest?
1 Improved Public Health
1.By investing in the Luton in Bloom
initiative, the local authority can
proactively address public health
challenges, reduce strain on healthcare
services, and promote healthier lifestyles
among residents.
2.Research by Mitchell and Popham
(2008) suggests that access to green
spaces, including gardens, is associated
with improved mental health and reduced
health inequalities.
2
Community
Empowerment and
Engagement
1.Luton in Bloom empowers communities
by providing opportunities for active
participation, fostering a sense of
ownership and pride.
2.The Local authority can use Luton in
Bloom as a catalyst for community
engagement, strengthening social ties,
and creating a shared sense of identity to
the town
3
Environmental
Responsibility:
1.Investing in gardening initiatives aligns
with local authorities' commitment to
environmental sustainability and
conservation efforts.
2. Luton in Bloom demonstrates a
commitment to green infrastructure,
urban greening, and helping towards
achieving carbon neutrality goals.

35. Return on Investment (ROI)
Part of a community
Sense of belonging
Sense of purpose
Serving others
Good relationships
+ = Community well-being
+ x10 =
Healthy Body Healthy Mind
Happy Human
What is the cost to your organisation/society
if you don’t have this?

36. Connecting
People &
Plants
Cultivating
Community
Fostering
Relationships
Improving
Mental,
Emotional &
Physical
Wellbeing

37. “Luton in Bloom is a social
prescription masquerading as a
gardening activity.”

38. Start with the end in mind
In 10 years what vision do you see,
hear and feel for Luton?
“We don’t inherit the Earth from our
ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”
Native American Proverb

39. Welcome to the
Luton in Bloom
Community

40. Thank You
www.lutoninbloom.com