In 2024, Basingstoke based charity Inspero was awarded a £10,000 grant from the HIWCF Including Communities Fund to support its innovative community wellbeing programme, WellnessN’Wellies.
The initiative uses nature, sustainable horticulture and therapeutic gardening to promote better mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing for local people aged 13 to 93.
With 13 years’ experience working with both young and older members of the community, Inspero is the only organisation of its kind in Basingstoke. As the town grows, so too does the need for inclusive, low-cost services that bring people together to support their wellbeing. Inspero has responded to this need by creating spaces that offer connection, learning, and a sense of belonging.
Set in the charity’s RHS award-winning community garden at Stratton Park in Kempshott, WellnessN’Wellies offers structured, welcoming sessions where participants get involved in nature-based activities. These range from hands-on gardening to mindfulness and seasonal horticultural tasks, all designed to gently boost confidence, improve social connection, and inspire healthy habits.
The programme builds on a successful pilot, with positive changes already observed including increased communication and literacy skills, improved self-esteem and social confidence and an increase in physical activity and mental resilience.
Catherine Waters-Clark, Founder and CEO of Inspero, said:
“At Inspero we promote food education, health and mental wellbeing through our fun, engaging programmes that inspire learning and personal development. We believe that joy and education go hand in hand in helping people live healthier, happier lives. The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community Foundation have been an immense support to our charity, funding various programmes including educational projects to support young people. We would like to thank HIWCF for their amazing support over the last 13 years.”
Crucially, participants feel a renewed sense of purpose and connection. For some, it’s a path back into education or work. For others, it’s a lifeline during times of illness or emotional difficulty. Attendees include people living with cancer, depression, long-term health conditions, and those with additional learning needs.
The garden brings together people from all walks of life – different ages, backgrounds, and nationalities – to learn and grow together. The sessions are led by a small team, including a main horticulturist, assistant horticulturist, and the charity’s CEO, alongside experienced volunteers. The team has a deep understanding of how to support participants with special educational needs, often buddying them with volunteers to ensure personalised and empowering support.
Patrick Henessy, Inspero’s Assistant Horticulturist, brings his own wealth of experience to the programme, after a long career as a head gardener:
“After 23 years as head gardener at a large estate, retirement allowed me to reflect on my fulfilling horticultural career. Though retirement was welcome, my passion for gardening never faded. When I discovered Inspero’s community garden, it was the perfect opportunity to return to my roots. As Rumi said, ‘Let the beauty of what you love be what you do.’ Joining Inspero has allowed me to share my skills and inspire others to embrace the joy of gardening that has shaped my life.”
Thanks to HIWCF’s support, Inspero’s WellnessN’Wellies project is helping to grow a stronger, healthier Basingstoke – one seed, one session, and one story at a time.
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