University of Birmingham and Thrive launch a nature-based wellbeing programme for students

The University of Birmingham has launched a new pilot programme, ‘Grow Well’, in partnership with gardening for health charity ‘Thrive’, to support students who are experiencing mental health difficulties, loneliness or social isolation.

Grow Well aims to provide a space for students to form positive social connections, participate in gardening activities and engage with nature.

James Mason, Head of Wellbeing and Partnerships in Student Services, said: “This is a unique opportunity to offer students additional support through a meaningful, nature-based programme. We’re proud to be working with Thrive and Chimo Trust to create further opportunities to help improve our students’ mental health and wellbeing.” 

Following a Grow Well pilot programme, two 10-week programmes are planned for the first two academic terms. The sessions will be delivered at the Wellbeing Lodge, with wet weather activities taking place at Winterbourne Garden.

Each programme supports up to eight students and is designed for those who may be neurodivergent, managing long-term health conditions, struggling to engage with their studies or are lonely and feeling isolated.

Thrive uses gardening to bring about positive changes in the lives of people who are living with ill health, disabilities or disadvantage. It has delivered Social and Therapeutic Horticulture (STH) programmes for more than 45 years at its centres in Birmingham, Reading and London. The charity also provides information to help people to garden at home as well as a range of training courses and workshops, ensuring that individuals with varying needs can access therapeutic gardening wherever they live.

The initiative is funded by Chimo Trust, which has worked with Thrive to develop a bespoke programme for the higher education sector. The trust is committed to improving the mental health and wellbeing of young people across the UK, by investing in sport, nature and art-based interventions.

Gardening and nature-based activities provided range from seed sowing to houseplant care and are led by experienced practitioners and trained volunteers.

Feedback from similar programmes delivered by Thrive have had proven benefits for a range of physical and mental health conditions, as well as for individuals with learning disabilities and neurodivergent conditions.

• 94% reported improved happiness or mental wellbeing.

• 94% spent more time outdoors.

• 94% increased social interaction.

• 88% felt more confident.

• 88% saw improvements in physical health.

Sam Gamblin, Regional Centre Manager for Thrive Birmingham added: “We are looking forward to working with the University of Birmingham to deliver an engaging programme of gardening and nature wellbeing activity for students this academic year. We hope to build a new community for likeminded students to inspire positive change and improved health and wellbeing for all.”

This comes as the University outperformed the sector in the latest National Student Survey (NSS). Ranking seventh in the Russell Group and showing an improvement of 4.2% across all institutional questions, this demonstrates the University’s ongoing commitment to cultivating a positive student experience.