A Cumbria-based mental health charity, Growing Well, has officially opened its third site in Egremont, West Cumbria, offering vital support to residents from Millom to Maryport. The new site, located in Egremont’s town centre, will provide therapeutic horticultural activities to help individuals recover from mental ill health.
Around 80 supporters attended the launch on Tuesday, 1st October, including key funders such as the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), the National Lottery Community Fund, the Copeland Community Fund, and Cumberland Council. Their financial support made the redevelopment of the ex-council nursery site possible.
The charity, which began in Kendal 20 years ago, has supported thousands of people across the South and Central Lakes, helping them recover from mental health issues and move forward with their lives. Following the success of its second site, launched at Tebay Services in 2023 to serve the Carlisle and Eden areas, Growing Well’s latest expansion in Egremont will extend its services to another major part of Cumbria. The charity’s mental health programmes are overseen by clinical psychologists and delivered by a team of specialist staff.
Growing Well West Cumbria will operate five days a week, offering structured therapeutic services that include goal setting, skills development, and personalised support. The initiative focuses on holistic recovery through horticulture, where participants grow, harvest, and sell pesticide-free fruits and vegetables to local communities. These activities aim to offer a safe, professional environment for mental health recovery while also benefiting the wider community.
Mary Smith, CEO of Growing Well, expressed her enthusiasm for the new site: “We are absolutely delighted to be launching Growing Well West Cumbria and supporting this amazing part of the county that we know and love. We guarantee swift referral into our service and can offer a safe and professional environment to support mental health recovery in a unique, non-clinical setting. It’s vital that services like ours are here to respond to the escalating mental health crisis in our population.”
David Peattie, CEO of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, who officially opened the site, highlighted the importance of the new facility for local communities. “This truly is a fantastic asset to the Cumbrian community, and I am delighted that the NDA has been able to support such an important service. Projects like this benefit future generations and reflect our commitment to delivering our mission with care for the environment and communities.”
The National Lottery Community Fund, one of the site’s main funders, echoed this sentiment. Duncan Nicholson, Regional Head of Funding, said, “Thanks to National Lottery players, Growing Well will provide vital mental health services to support the wellbeing of communities across West Cumbria.”
Emma Moynihan, Fund Manager for the Copeland Community Fund, also highlighted the grant of £275,000 to establish the site and run the programme for the next three years. She added that Copeland Community Fund prioritises improving the health and wellbeing of local residents and believes this project will have a significant impact.
Growing Well West Cumbria is now open to beneficiaries and volunteers, offering an inclusive space for mental health support and community involvement.
