A Cumbrian mental health charity has been given a £42,000 boost.
Growing Well, which enables the recovery of those experiencing moderate to severe mental ill health by providing a structured programme of therapeutic support that helps rebuild people’s lives, has been donated the money by Penny Conservation Charity.
The donation, which will be used over the next three years, will fund regular support sessions with Growing Well’s mental health support co-ordinator, equating to around 300 hours of professional support over a year.
It will form part of two days of structured activities for five hours a day at the charity’s Kendal site.
Growing Well, which has been operating in the South Lakes for 21 years, now has three sites in Cumbria growing seasonal produce which is sold in the local community.
It includes an organic farm in Sizergh, near Kendal, a kitchen garden at Tebay Services and a market garden in Egremont.
Lorri Millar, head of operations at Growing Well, said: “We help hundreds of people every year access services that have a significant positive impact on their mental health.
“This amazing donation by Penny Conservation Charity will ensure we can increase people’s access to a structured programme of horticultural activities alongside a bespoke package of therapeutic support. This dual approach provides routine, purpose and the opportunity for personal growth.
“In the last financial year, 512 individuals accessed our services, with 68% reporting a significant improvement in their mental health, 95% reporting they felt challenged in a positive way and 94% said they had developed a greater sense of purpose.
“One of our main strengths as an organisation is that we provide professional therapeutic support in a non-clinical environment.
“Our site at Sizergh – now known as Growing Well Kendal – provides a non-judgemental space that is welcoming and safe which enables people to feel accepted for who they are.
“This enables us to connect with people who are previously not known to services, who might be sceptical of, or who have had a bad experience of more clinical settings. Growing Well Kendal has helped thousands of people to improve their mental health, learn new skills and build healthier lives for themselves.”
Penny Conservation Charity is the charity that, through the support of donors including English Lakes Hotels and supporters including David & Bowring, Edwin Thompson and law firm Napthens, primarily funds projects for the environment and communities across Cumbria and north Lancashire.
It recently provided £10,000 to support the Sustainable Staveley and the Clean River Kent Campaign.
Chair of the charity, Jamie Allison, of Napthens, said: “Our aim is to support the promotion of conservation, protection and improvement of the natural and human environment, through the provision of grants to local community groups, registered charities, local bodies, other selected organisations or individuals.
“Growing Well provides vital support to those suffering from mental health issues, providing a unique service to many people across our local communities.
“Positive mental health is an essential part of our overall wellbeing, and it’s important we all play our part in giving support to anyone suffering with their own mental health.
“We have seen first-hand how the donation will be used, and we know the money will make a significant difference to hundreds of people over the next three years.”
Beneficiaries of Growing Well’s support are able to develop a range of practical skills, build their connections with others, increase their confidence/self-esteem, learn ways to manage their mental health needs and set goals for recovery and reintegration back into education/work.
The service provides a holistic, inclusive and trauma informed approach that builds on individuals strengths and abilities with the aim of improving wellbeing and quality of life.
