Growing Futures: A Day of Connection and Collaboration at RHS Bridgewater

On 8 September, we had the privilege of joining commissioners, policymakers, education leaders, and fellow practitioners at RHS Garden Bridgewater for the Growing Futures: Inspiring Young People Through Nature symposium. Hosted by RHS, Edge Hill University, and Natural England, the event brought together a room full of people who share a simple but powerful belief: that nature has the power to change young lives.

And if there was one thing that stayed with us long after the final session wrapped up, it was this: we're not alone in this work. Across the North West- and beyond - organisations are proving day in and day out, that immersive outdoor experiences build resilience, confidence and real, lasting wellbeing.

A Day of Conversation and Connection

Rachael and Jim flew the flag for Grow-Wellbeing on our stall, and by all accounts it was a busy one. They spent the day chatting with visitors, fellow practitioners and representatives from other organisations, sharing information about our work and giving demonstrations of the nature-based practice that sits at the heart of everything we do.

From explaining our trauma-informed approach to talking through the practicalities of our outdoor programmes, they covered a lot of ground. The stall was a real hub for conversation - a chance to connect with people who share our belief that nature has a vital role to play in young people's mental health and education.

Sharing the Grow-Wellbeing Story

Events like this are invaluable. They give us the chance to talk about what we do, but just as importantly, they let us listen. We heard from a range of organisations delivering nature-based support for young people, and the energy in the room was a powerful reminder that this work is growing.

For those who stopped by the stall and wanted to know more, Rachael and Jim were able to talk through our mission: to establish Nature Connection as a vital, life-changing foundation across health, education and social care. They explained our commitment to true inclusion, person-centred trauma-informed care, early intervention and collaborative growth - the four values that guide our work across the Liverpool City Region, Wirral and Cheshire.

They also shared details of our specialist provision, including our NHS CYPMHS Clinical Partnership at Bidston Hill, our work with Ascent Autism Specialist College, and our targeted programmes for young people with complex mental health needs, SEND and neurodivergent profiles. And they talked about the youth prevention and justice initiatives that help re-engage at-risk young people - from our New Roots project at Stanney Woods to our detached outreach and crime prevention work.

A Gorgeous Setting for Important Conversations

RHS Garden Bridgewater is a stunning venue, and being surrounded by that much green space was fitting for a day focused on nature's power to change lives. The gardens themselves are a living example of what we talk about: accessible, inclusive spaces designed to support learning and wellbeing, with features like wheelchair-accessible raised beds and a treehouse-style quiet area for people experiencing anxiety.

It was a lovely day in a gorgeous setting, and we came away with new connections, fresh ideas and a renewed sense of purpose.

Looking Ahead

Grow-Wellbeing is expanding its vision to become a premiere regional advocate for young people's mental health, trauma-informed care and alternative Outdoor Education. Events like this remind us that we're part of something bigger - a growing movement that recognises nature not as a nice-to-have, but as a core pillar of health, education and social care.

We're already looking ahead to the conversations we started at Bridgewater - and to the partnerships that will grow from them. Because if there's one thing we know, it's this: when you bring the right people together in the right outdoor space, something extraordinary happens. And that's exactly what we saw on the 8th September.

To find out more about our work, or to explore partnership opportunities, explore a website further or get in touch at contact@grow-wellbeing.com