At St Mungo's, we know that recovering from homelessness is about more than putting a roof over someone's head. Many of our clients face trauma, poor mental health and isolation, so long-term support to rebuild their lives is vital. Our horticultural therapy programme, Putting Down Roots, uses nature and gardening to aid recovery. In small, structured groups people learn skills, build confidence and reconnect with others in a calm and supportive space, finding purpose and hope for the future.
Rough sleeping in England is at its highest in years. In Autumn 2024, 4,667 people were recorded sleeping rough: a 20% rise on the year before and 164% higher than in 2010. Housing is only the start on the road to recovery. Without ongoing mental health support, structure and community, many risk falling back into crisis. At St Mungo's, we run over 200 services across London and the South. Many vital recovery programmes, including Putting Down Roots, rely entirely on donations to continue.
Putting Down Roots offers gardening sessions led by trained staff, giving people space to heal, build routines and feel part of something again. Through learning, growing, and maintaining plants and outdoor spaces, participants gain skills, qualifications and friendships, as well as confidence to move into volunteering, training and work. Over 85% report feeling more positive, better able to face challenges and more confident with others. It's about recovery, connection and hope.
Putting Down Roots changes lives far beyond the garden gate. Through the programme, people gain stability, improve their wellbeing and rediscover a sense of purpose. Many reconnect with family, move into work or education, and leave homelessness behind for good. With your support, we can offer more people a real chance to rebuild.
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