Cultivating Change: Growing for Good! - Support Cambridgeshire

Cultivating Change is a Cambridge-based charity at the forefront of promoting wellbeing through gardening and community engagement.

The story behind Cultivating Change

Launched in August 2020 by school friends Rosie and Sal, Cultivating Change was created to address mental health and wellbeing challenges born out of personal struggles and experiences. Through first-hand experience of the benefits of nature in relation to mental and physical recovery and the need for restorative activities, the idea for the charity was born!

What is Cultivating Change?

Cultivating Change is now one of the leading UK charities promoting wellbeing through gardening, growing your own and community engagement.

The journey began with a unique partnership between CN Seeds, a pioneering commercial seed company, and a vision to combine surplus seed donations with the promotion of mental, physical, and social wellbeing. Cultivating Change emerged as a way to make a positive impact on individuals and communities through the transformative power of gardening.

Our long-term vision is for horticultural activities that benefit people’s wellbeing to be embedded in educational, healthcare, and community policies.

Through our 2 key programmes, ‘Cultivating Change in the Community’ and ‘Cultivate & Educate’ we provide seed donations, growing workshops, community days, assemblies, resources, virtual and in-person support. We address immediate wellbeing as well as educate, empower and engage people in gardening activities that foster life-long wellbeing habits.

Our community of growers are known as Cultivators for Change. The community is diverse, bringing together novice and experienced gardeners, schools, charities, community projects, and more. With hundreds of active participants, this growing network fosters encouragement, learning, and connection.

The benefits of gardening

Gardening & nature-based activities have been scientifically linked to improvements in wellbeing. Engaging people in gardening activities encourages physical exercise and healthier eating habits as well as an appreciation of the environment and the world around them.

Gardening also provides a therapeutic connection to nature which helps to reduce stress and enhance mental wellbeing. Socially it fosters teamwork and cooperation, helping individuals develop social skills and self-esteem.

Gardening and nature-based activities have been scientifically linked to improvements in wellbeing. Some of the documented benefits include:

For adults:

Stress Reduction: Gardening can lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.
Confidence Building: It promotes self-belief, a sense of achievement, and confidence.
Social Connections: Gardening builds social links and strengthens community bonds.
Mindfulness: It encourages active relaxation and promotes mindfulness.
Health Benefits: Gardening may reduce reliance on medication by enhancing overall wellbeing.

For children:

Food Awareness: Helps children understand where food comes from and encourages them to try new foods.
Skill Development: Builds responsibility, confidence, and self-esteem.
Educational Extension: Supports lessons in literacy, numeracy, research, and data gathering, providing a practical extension to school-based learning.

Cultivating Change is making an impact

Through its innovative model, Cultivating Change enables people to connect with nature, enhance their wellbeing, and strengthen their community. By providing seeds and fostering a supportive community, this initiative is making a tangible difference for individuals and groups across a wide range of backgrounds.

100% of our 2023 growers affirmed positive wellbeing impacts from participating in Cultivating Change.

I greatly appreciate the important message you shared with our school community.

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