**Pontypridd Woman Overcomes Trauma to Help Others Through Gardening**
In the heart of Pontypridd, Dawn Parker has emerged as a beacon of hope for those struggling with mental health challenges. Drawing upon her own difficult experiences growing up, she has channelled her journey to recovery into supporting others through horticultural therapy.
Dawn’s early years were marked by hardship and personal loss. The death of her father from a brain haemorrhage when she was just a child left her mother devastated, which resulted in Dawn taking on significant caregiving responsibilities from the tender age of 10. By the time she was 16, the mounting pressure at home compelled her to leave. Tragically, her mother passed away when Dawn was only 26, compounding her grief as she navigated the demands of raising her own family.
Throughout her life, Dawn frequently battled anxiety and depression, exacerbated by the trauma of domestic violence and later, the sudden onset of surgically induced menopause following a necessary hysterectomy in her fifties. Speaking candidly, Dawn recalls reaching a point in 2019 where despair overwhelmed her. “I didn’t want to feel that way anymore… and that thought frightened me,” she shared.
A lifelong affinity for nature became key to Dawn’s healing. She noticed how being in the outdoors brought her solace during times of distress. “Some people find comfort in church – for me, nature is that sanctuary. It grounds me,” she explained. This realisation prompted her to take a proactive step by enrolling in a course with the charity Thrive, which specialises in social and therapeutic horticulture for people facing health challenges.
This pivotal decision marked the beginning of Dawn’s recovery. She soon became involved with the Meadow Street Community Garden in Treforest – a once neglected plot of land that now flourishes as a communal green space. Dawn describes her initial experience volunteering at the garden as transformative, providing her with renewed purpose, a sense of belonging, and much-needed support from her local community.
Motivated by the impact this work had on her and its potential to help others, Dawn established Happy Boots Horticultural Therapy CIC in 2022. The initiative seeks to enhance mental well-being by connecting people to nature through gardening. With a growing membership, Happy Boots now runs weekly ‘Wellbeing Through Nature’ sessions at Calon Taf in Ynysangharad Park, specifically catering to individuals experiencing mild to moderate mental health challenges.
Dawn’s dedication was recently recognised with a grant of £19,340 from The National Lottery Community Fund, enabling the programme to expand. These sessions provide more than just gardening lessons—they foster a supportive environment where people can build friendships, share experiences, and rediscover joy. As Dawn noted: “It’s about creating a safe space where people can feel supported and valued.”
Happy Boots has not only provided participants with practical gardening skills but also the confidence to explore new paths, with some considering career changes inspired by Dawn’s example. The sense of community and connection forged through these sessions has played a crucial role in many people’s recoveries, including Dawn’s own.
Despite her progress, Dawn acknowledges that struggles with mental health can persist. She openly shares her experiences in hopes of fighting stigma associated with mental illness. “I have bad days too, but being outdoors and working with plants gives me resilience. If you find any activity that brings you peace, whether it’s gardening, painting, or walking, do it as much as you can – it’s incredibly grounding,” she advises.
Dawn’s journey underlines the importance of speaking up about mental health and creating spaces for communal healing. By leveraging her own story, Dawn has cultivated not only beautiful gardens in Pontypridd but also a renewed sense of hope among those who need it most.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, there are resources available for support, including Mind Cymru (0300 123 33 93), Beat Cymru (0808 801 0433), the Community Advice & Listening Line (0800 13 27 37), and the Samaritans (116 123).