Rural Social Enterprise and Mental Health Recovery Beren Aldridge

Where is Growing Well?

An innovative organic growing and training company, inspiring people to build their confidence and skills

What does Growing Well do everyday?

A Soil Association certified organic growing business

A horticultural training company

Link our local community with farming and food

Our Aim To support people recovering from mental health problems to i dentify as active members of their community

How do we achieve this?

Our culture

A place where any one of us would want to spend some time Both fully integrated into the community and focused on mental health recovery A team of equals – where every role within the organisation is available to people who are recovering

A sense of involvement and value… Team working Developing expertise Taking of responsibility Team meetings Supervision Training opportunities Adult to Adult relationships

Full participation… Growing and harvesting Packing and deliveries Administration and sales Financial management Systems and procedures Publicity and IT Educational visits Learning support Co-ordinating our board of directors

Creating a sense of Community

How do we work with Ecominds

Does it work? All Volunteers report significant increases in confidence and self- esteem Ability to mix and work in groups is developed Volunteers report increased activity in their local community Over 75% of long-term volunteers leave Growing Well to employment or mainstream volunteering