Butterfly Effect Wellbeing is a community interest company in Harlow providing therapeutic, creative and wellbeing‑focused support for adults and children, particularly those facing mental health challenges or trauma. The organisation runs inclusive groups and one‑to‑one sessions using art, nature and mindfulness to improve emotional resilience and connection.
The fund will help grow the community garden project by adding a second weekly session on Fridays. This will give more people the chance to get involved in growing vegetables, building connections, and enjoying the therapeutic benefits of gardening.
The extra session will also help increase the amount of fresh produce they can use in the daily social wellbeing groups, where they provide home-cooked lunches for just £1. The garden brings people together, reduces isolation, and gives a sense of purpose. This expansion will allow even more individuals to benefit from it.
A community garden is a vital resource for mental health because it provides a peaceful, natural space where people can connect with others, engage in meaningful activity, and experience the therapeutic benefits of gardening. It reduces stress and anxiety through contact with nature, encourages physical activity, and fosters a sense of purpose and routine. By growing and sharing food, participants build confidence, learn new skills, and improve their nutrition, all of which support emotional wellbeing. The garden also creates opportunities for social connection, reducing isolation and promoting a sense of belonging, which is essential for recovery and resilience.
The project aims to improve participants’ emotional resilience, sense of connection and ability to manage day‑to‑day stress through regular, supported wellbeing sessions. Impact will be reflected in improved mood, confidence and social engagement, as people build supportive relationships and develop practical coping tools. Butterfly Effect Wellbeing will gather feedback, simple outcome measures and personal reflections to understand changes over time and refine its offer.