16th Sept 07 Extra, Extra read all about it: 'Grow Your Own' (Picture Benedict Wong)

I decided on the advice of my Boss, Jan Cameron, to go to a new and interesting film and support all my other workmates at the 'Walled Garden'. This is a film that Sandra de Mondoz, the 'Choose Life' Co-Ordinator for Edinburgh organised as part of the 'Suicide Prevention Week'. Did you know that about TWO young people a day under the age of 25 successfully commit suicide. The 'Walled Garden' is a new concept in RECOVERY from Mental Ill Health, and the film discusses how this concept works. I should add I am not a 'Gardener' Im an I.T. Administrator who supports Robert Sless the I.T. Supervisor. As it happens, Ive downloaded the 'Edinburgh FilmHouse' information clip just for you, my really interested readers and it reads:-

"Grow Your OwnSat 15 Sept only – Free EventRichard Laxton Britain 2007

1h37m 35mm PG – Contains mild language

Cast: Benedict Wong, Eddie Marsan, Omid Djalili, Olivia Colman, Philip Jackson, John Henshaw.

A warm, intelligent and charming British comedy, written by Michael Winterbottom's regular collaborator Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Grow Your Own is the story of what happens when some asylum seekers are given plots in a traditional English allotment.

It's actually based on a real-life project in Liverpool, where a psychiatrist working with victims of torture and persecution began using gardening as therapy, with impressive results. As part of Suicide Prevention Week this free screening is sponsored by the Community Planning Partners in Edinburgh who support the work of Choose Life locally within the city.

There are also some things that can be done to try to reduce suicide and in fact be seen to 'protect' us from it. These issues will be discussed following the film. We are also pleased that members of Redhall Walled Garden, an Edinburgh based project funded by the Scottish Association of Mental Health, will be participating in the discussion.
(Sponsored by Choose Life, and SAMH)"

This is a seriously funny film with a sensitive message contained within it. It had me weaping with laughter, and sadness as I recognised some of the issues. If the film ever comes to your area or you get the chance to hire it, please do it is well worth it.