£42,000 Boost to Support Mental Health Services in Cumbria

A Cumbrian mental health charity, Growing Well, has been given a significant funding boost of £42,000 from Penny Conservation Charity. The donation will be spread over the next three years and help fund regular support sessions with Growing Well’s mental health support coordinator, equating to around 300 hours of professional support each year.
Growing Well operates in the South Lakes and provides structured programmes of therapeutic support that aim to help people experiencing moderate to severe mental ill health rebuild their lives. The funding will support two days of structured activities per week at the charity’s Kendal site, with five hours of activities each day.
The charity has been active in Cumbria for 21 years and now runs three sites across the region where seasonal produce is grown and sold locally. These include 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 the donation would increase access to horticultural activities combined with therapeutic support, offering routine, purpose and opportunities for personal growth to participants. Last year, 512 individuals accessed services at Growing Well, with many reporting improved mental health outcomes.
Penny Conservation Charity supports projects that benefit the environment and local communities across Cumbria and north Lancashire. Its chair, Jamie Allison, highlighted the importance of promoting positive mental health and the value of the services provided by Growing Well to communities across the region.
The funding is expected to help beneficiaries develop practical skills, build confidence, enhance their wellbeing, and support their recovery and reintegration into education or work.