Case Studies
Real Lives. Real Growth.
Every seed we sow and every connection we nurture helps people rediscover purpose, confidence, and belonging. These are just some of the stories that show how Let’s Grow Preston changes lives, one person, one garden, and one community at a time.
Theme 1: Mental Health and Wellbeing
Case Study A (Volunteer A, 30s, 2019 onwards)
Referral / Background: Introduced by a case worker; diagnosed with PTSD and ADHD; dealing with bereavement and a complex home life.
Challenges: Struggled with trauma, low confidence, and social isolation.
Intervention / Engagement: Regular participation in gardening, policy and governance support, and engagement with community garden projects.
Outcomes:
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Improved mental health and self-confidence
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Enhanced relationship with her son
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Developed horticultural skills
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Created her own community garden and inclusive space
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Nominated for and won BBC Radio Lancashire “Make a Difference” Award, 2024
Key Quote: “Our project provided consistent and supportive intervention, empowering me to pursue my goals and become a positive force in my community. It saved my life.”
Case Study B (Volunteer B, 30, 2023)
Referral / Background: Referred by a social prescriber; initially struggled with anxiety and leaving home.
Challenges: Social anxiety, low engagement outside the home.
Intervention / Engagement: Supported to volunteer regularly in the garden.
Outcomes:
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Overcame anxiety and began regular volunteering
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Increased social engagement and gardening participation
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Improved relationships with family and neighbours
Key Quote: Credits the project with saving his life and providing a sanctuary.
Case Study F (Volunteer F, 71, 2024 onwards)
Referral / Background: Referred by local church; suicidal following loss of spouse.
Intervention / Engagement: Engaged in volunteering, social activities, and community events.
Outcomes:
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Found purpose and improved mental health
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Feels valued and useful within the community
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Participated in high-profile community events, including carol concerts
Key Quote: “Coming to LGP saved my life. I now feel I have something to contribute to society.”
Theme 2: Social Engagement and Community Connection
Case Study C (Student C, Teenager, 2022)
Referral / Background: Residential home placement; social and communication difficulties.
Intervention / Engagement: Volunteered in the garden and participated in structured activities.
Outcomes:
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Increased happiness and reduced aggressive behaviour
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Improved social and communication skills
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Enabled return to home environment with family
Case Study T (Volunteer T, 20, 2022)
Referral / Background: Social prescriber referral; needed a low-pressure environment.
Intervention / Engagement: Flexible volunteering with no fixed commitments.
Outcomes:
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Reduced anxiety
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Increased feelings of control and productivity
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Developed sense of value through contribution to gardening activities
Case Study HH (Volunteer H, late 20s, 2025 onwards)
Referral / Background: Deaf; requires carer/translator.
Intervention / Engagement: Daily gardening participation; supports other residents.
Outcomes:
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Increased happiness and engagement
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Improved communication skills
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Feels useful and valued; contributes to community projects
Key Quote: “The joy on my face when I see a seed I sowed has germinated is fulfilling.”
Theme 3: Skill Development and Employment
Case Study D (Volunteer D, 18, up to 2021)
Referral / Background: Behaviour and commitment issues.
Intervention / Engagement: Volunteered on tasks and projects with structured support.
Outcomes:
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Improved attention span and task engagement
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Gained confidence, pride, and satisfaction
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Secured employment at a local hospital
Case Study J (Volunteer J, 17, 2024 onwards)
Referral / Background: Autistic; not in education or employment.
Intervention / Engagement: Individualised mentoring in horticulture; gradually introduced to team tasks.
Outcomes:
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Increased confidence in abilities
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Improved teamworking and communication skills
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Developed autonomy in new gardening tasks
Case Study E (Volunteer E, 27, 2021 onwards)
Referral / Background: High anxiety, low self-esteem, socially isolated.
Intervention / Engagement: Regular participation, accredited training, nature-based therapy.
Outcomes:
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Increased physical fitness and wellbeing
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Improved social interaction and confidence
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Accessed accredited training and planning for future opportunities
Key Quote: Credits LGP with saving his life and providing focus through nature-based activities.
Theme 4: Accessibility and Inclusion
Case Study S (Volunteer S, 20s, 2022)
Referral / Background: Learning difficulties; mental age of 8.
Intervention / Engagement: Supported to participate in garden activities with family involvement.
Outcomes:
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Increased confidence and sense of value
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Brought friends and family to participate
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Project recognised achievements and recommended to other clients
Case Study H (Volunteer H, 70s, current)
Referral / Background: Ill health and depression.
Intervention / Engagement: Continued involvement in garden activities as able.
Outcomes:
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Improved mental health; antidepressants no longer required
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Developed sense of belonging and self-worth
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Maintains engagement despite physical limitations
Summary
These case studies highlight the transformative impact of Let’s Grow Preston across:
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Mental health and wellbeing: providing safe spaces, therapy through horticulture, and emotional support
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Social engagement: improving communication, teamwork, and community cohesion
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Skill development and employment: horticultural skills, accredited training, and work placements
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Accessibility and inclusion: creating opportunities for neurodiverse individuals, older adults, and people with disabilities
Each story demonstrates the charity’s commitment to empowering individuals, fostering community, and creating sustainable positive change.
