Cultivating Change is a Cambridge-based charity that engages communities through gardening and growing to support mental health and wellbeing. Through our programmes, Cultivate & Educate and Cultivating Change in the Community, we provide seeds, workshops, resources and hands-on gardening opportunities that help people connect with nature, build confidence, develop resilience and improve their wellbeing.

With one in five children aged 8–16 in England experiencing a probable mental health disorder, and over one million children referred to NHS mental health services in 2024–25, the need to support children's mental health and wellbeing has never been clearer. Gardening offers a simple yet powerful way to support wellbeing, helping to reduce stress and anxiety while encouraging focus, friendships, confidence and a sense of achievement.

In 2026 alone, we've donated seeds to over 40 schools and worked closely with nine local schools, including primary, secondary and specialist SEND settings, with many more keen to benefit from our support.

Funds raised through this event will directly support our work with The Galfrid School in Cambridge's Abbey ward, one of the city's more disadvantaged communities, where 44.1% of pupils are eligible for free school meals. For many children, opportunities to experience gardening and connect with nature may be limited, making it even more important to create accessible, enriching outdoor spaces where every child can benefit, regardless of their circumstances.

We've already seen the positive impact of gardening through our work with the Reception class at The Galfrid School, where 94% of pupils said gardening made them feel happy, with one child simply saying, "It makes me feel everything good!"

Your support will help us build on this success, continuing our Reception gardening programme and developing a new whole-school growing space, giving more children the opportunity to garden, learn, build friendships and experience the benefits of connecting with nature.

Blue Smile is a children’s mental health charity, supporting children aged 3-13 in schools across Cambridgeshire. Using an arts-based approach, expert therapists provide 1-1 therapy and small-group support to children who are struggling, along with advice for teachers and parents.

Together, we can help more Cambridgeshire children access life-changing support so they can enjoy happier childhoods and build brighter futures.