Traditionally, the British have a profound relationship with their gardens. For so many, green spaces can be a therapeutic haven, places to go when emotions need processing. A safe space to reflect and re-centre.

27% of the adult population in the UK¹ will have experienced at least one of a series of mental disorders in the past year. The cost of mental ill health in England is estimated at £105 billion per year².There is a positive correlation between access to green spaces and improved mental health. Parks and green spaces are estimated to save the NHS around £111 million per year based solely on a reduction in GP visits and excluding any savings from prescribing or referrals³. It is also said

that if every household in England had good access to quality green space it could save an estimated £2.1 billion on health care costs⁴. We have therefore chosen to support charities that specialise in mental health in four key areas: awareness, prevention, treatment and support. Working together on projects that provide a routine and a sense of belonging and achievement to those recovering and living with mental health problems. Projects connected to therapeutic horticulture and the restorative power that nature can provide.

To date we have supported the creation of seven charity gardens across the UK providing communities with better access to nature, specifically concentrating our efforts in urban areas where gardens may be scarce. The maintenance and care of these gardens reduce the mental health problems of those attending. The garden forms part of a therapeutic programme.

The space becomes a sanctuary for many. Encouraging individuals to develop their physical and mental health through routine and the sense of achievement gardening can provide. Helping people re-connect and grow.

Research shows that far too many children and young people don’t get any help at all when it comes to dealing with mental health. An increasing number of young adults find their goals derailed by the onset of mental health problems. 37% of students with mental health problems drop out of school, whilst 70% of youth in state and local juvenile justice systems experience mental health challenges. [2]

Fountain House is leading the way in encouraging conversations and offering young people much needed support. Since May 2021, we have supported Fountain House’s College Re-Entry programme, developed to support those at a critical juncture in their lives who, having withdrawn from their studies due to their mental health, are given the tools they need to return to college and successfully achieve their educational goals.