Formerly the location of the BBC TV programme Gardener’s World, the gardens are now home to Thrive, a gardening for health charity that is transforming local communities and green spaces.
The charity’s trained Social and Therapeutic Horticulture practitioners and dedicated volunteers work with people to support their mental, physical and social wellbeing through therapeutic gardening programmes.
With our funding, Thrive has restored the gardens and made them accessible to a wider range of people through upgraded paths and improved signage and maps.
A new sheltered workspace means activities can take place all year round while more wildlife habitats are increasing the gardens’ biodiversity.
The project has also set up Growing Out – a programme for women experiencing anxiety, depression or other forms of mental ill health.
Sam Gamblin, Thrive's Regional Centre Manager for Birmingham, says: "Thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund we have been able to make a lasting positive impact on the mental health and wellbeing of the participants of our Growing Out Programme. For example, some have gone on to horticultural training programmes, saying their experience with us has been life changing."
Heritage can make a significant contribution to the way we feel about our lives. Discover more projects improving wellbeing and supporting mental health.
