Charity Commission CEO Visit
CEO of Charity Commission visits Grangetown community garden to see Grow Well in action
We were delighted to welcome David Holdsworth, CEO of the Charity Commission to the City & South community garden in Grangetown, where he met participants from the Grow Well project alongside pupils from our Grow your School project. The visit celebrated the impact of community gardening on wellbeing, learning and connection, the power of social prescribing and highlighted the importance of green spaces in supporting local communities
Set within the grounds of Grange Medical Practice, the community garden has become a vibrant and welcoming space for people of all ages.
On the day of the visit, Grow Well participants and school pupils worked side by side, planting, watering and exploring the garden while sharing stories about what the space means to them. David Holdsworth spent time speaking directly with participants, volunteers and staff, learning how the Grow Well project supports mental and physical wellbeing through nature-based activities. He also heard from pupils about their experiences of visiting the garden, growing food and learning about the environment outside the classroom.
- ‘It’s inspiring to see how a project like Grow Well brings people together through something as simple and powerful as gardening,’ said the CEO.’
- ‘This space shows how charities can support health, education and wellbeing in a truly joined-up way.’
- ‘The enthusiasm from participants and young people today has been wonderful to see.’
Our Director Isla Horton said the visit was an important opportunity to showcase the organisation’s work and the value of community-led green spaces.
- ‘We were thrilled to welcome the CEO of the Charity Commission to the City & South community garden,’ Isla said.
- ‘Grow Well is about much more than gardening — it’s about connection, confidence and creating supportive spaces where people can thrive.
- ‘Seeing adults and local school children sharing the garden together really captures the heart of what we do.’
She added that partnerships have been key to the project’s success.
- ‘Working closely with primary care Clusters, community health organisations, schools and local communities allows us to reach people who can really benefit from being outdoors and growing together.’
- ‘This visit helped shine a light on the difference that collaboration can make.’
A huge thank you to David Holdsworth from the Charity Commission, Grange Medical Practice, St Patrick’s Primary School Grangetown and all participants and volunteers who made the visit such a success!
