An estate agent director has been recognised for her role in setting up a community eco project to help those suffering with mental health issues.

Claire Meyer, of Meyers estate agents, was awarded a sustainability award, presented by Successful Women in Business South West, for helping set up the GAP Project in Dorchester in association with mental health charity Dorset Mind.

Claire, who founded the home-based estate agency Meyers Franchising with husband Mark, was inspired to develop the project as the mental health project as a result f lived experience within their family. Claire and Mark have now used their influence and connections to help 'give something back'.

Claire Meyer said: "Spending time in green spaces or bringing nature into everyday life can benefit both mental and physical wellbeing.

"The GAP Project offers outdoor opportunities to grow and tend four allotment plots and the GAP Project's trained staff and volunteers provide practical support to those referred to the project with mental health problems.

"We grow vegetables in raised beds, there is a poly tunnel and an eco-garden which is all wheelchair and mobility access friendly.

"The aim is to improve the quality of life and support our participants, both young and old, to build confidence, self-esteem and resilience while connecting with nature and other people. There is something for everyone."

Dorset Mind is a local charity that educates and challenges mental health stigma and inequality and promotes recovery by empowering individuals to develop resilience.

Nicole McCormack, adult services manager at Dorset Mind, said: "Claire and Mark's vision, enthusiasm and contribution to fundraising efforts for the GAP project, in combination with the structure Dorset Mind has in place to engage and support referrals has made the project a reality.

"The result is a safe space for those with mental health problems who prefer less intensity than focused one-to-one or group session.

"As well as helping to reduce the stigma associated with mental health, the eco project is another tool to help with the day-to-day challenges people face. For some of our participants it has been life changing."

The sustainability award was presented to Claire Meyer at a virtual ceremony hosted by Successful Women in Business South West in December 2020.

Claire added: "Although I am named as the winner, this award is for the whole team that has set up and continues to work on the project.

"It has been a massive community effort and we've welcomed support from volunteers, local companies, our franchises at Meyers and our partnership with Dorset Mind, whose staff have bought into the project as much as we have. They've provided enthusiasm, funding and put the structure in place to realise our shared goals for the project.

"At Meyers estate agents, we fund a project coordinator through Dorset Mind. This means any donations go directly to the project which we felt was important, so people can see how their money is used.

"There has been no doubt the past year has been tough, but even local schools have got involved by designing 'positive pebbles', each containing a positive message to put in the garden.

"It can take a lot to get someone back on track after suffering mental health issues but sometimes it really is the small things that count and so it is wonderful to be involved in a community project where everyone's contribution can make such a difference.

"The award-winning GAP Project in Dorchester is now a blueprint which we intend to offer to each of our nine Meyers franchises across the South West, so they all have a chance to recreate their own eco projects within their local area in the near future."

To find out more about the GAP Project, visit dorsetmind.uk

For more information about Meyers estate agents, visit meyersestates.com

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