Nantwich councillors have backed the town’s community wellbeing garden with another three years of funding.
The Growing Health Community Garden CIC (GHCG), based at Brookfield Park, has secured up to £30,000 of funding which will allow project coordinators to seek further grants.
The money from Nantwich Town Council will help pay for for a part-time Project Lead to guide and grow its work.
The garden secured National Lottery funding in 2022, but that runs out in 2026 so project coordinators are seeking new funding to keep the facility going.
It’s hoped new funds will attract external grants, and continue supporting vulnerable residents with key support services.
A new five-day programme of structured, nature-based wellbeing activities are planned at the garden under the new funding.
Rosemary Betteley, a regular community volunteer, said: “Knowing that the project has the backing for a further three years is really reassuring not only to me but also to the rest of the garden community.
“The garden is a welcoming space for a wide diversity of people from Nantwich and surrounding areas who enjoy the experience of gardening and socialising together.
“So much so that many members of the community show up whatever the weather and the camaraderie is just amazing.
“The genuine difference the GHCG does make to people’s lives is incredible to witness and I wouldn’t want that to end.”
Adele Frost, project coordinator, said: “GHCG has built a truly inclusive community for whom the garden is a source of positivity and belonging.
“The long-term investment is a huge endorsement and recognises the value of all its residents and the power of spending time together in nature.”
Peter Green, board member of the GHCG Community Interest Company (CIC), said: “We’re extremely grateful for the support already received – and for the positive way the town council is backing its future.
“This will not only sustain our current work, but give us the foundation to apply for further funding to strengthen what we can offer to individuals and community groups across Nantwich.”
The GHCG team is now seeking additional partners and sponsors to help fund seasonal session leads from a range of backgrounds.
Coordinators want to erect a log cabin or meeting house to improve winter use, which is now one of the garden’s busiest times.
“We would love to hear from local businesses or funders interested in match- or co-funding this next stage,” added Sarah Johansen, a GHCG board member.
“There’s even the opportunity to sponsor the new cabin – helping us offer warmth, shelter and community year-round.”
Town Cllr Joy O’Hara said: “The garden is an incredible asset. I’ve been down there with my kids and the work they do is phenomenal.”
Cllr Caroline Kirkham added: “I fully support this. It’s so important to recognise the issue of social isolation and loneliness, and the garden is a really valuable resource for people. There’s so much potential in it.”
Sessions at the garden are designed to support mental and physical health through activity in nature.
People who have used it range from aged 20 to 81, including those with complex needs including neurodivergence, chronic health conditions, bereavement, or social isolation.
The garden currently supports around 80 people per year through twice-weekly drop-in sessions.
People are referred to the garden through local organisations including Cheshire Roses, Alternative Futures Group, Age UK, Involvement, Recovery and Wellness Centre, Thursday Club Dementia Group, Nantwich Buddies, Right at Home South Cheshire, Sustainable Nantwich, Nantwich in Bloom and Pathways CIC (social prescribing partner to Kiltearn, Tudor & Rope Green surgeries)
Anyone interested in supporting GHCG’s next phase is invited to contact Nantwich Town Council.
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