Ecosafe Group Names Plants and Minds as Charity of the Year

We’re proud to announce Plants and Minds as our Charity Partner of the Year.

At Ecosafe Group, creating lasting social value is at the core of everything we do. We are committed to supporting initiatives that not only improve the built environment but also have a genuine, positive impact on people’s lives. That’s why partnering with Plants and Minds felt like a natural and purposeful choice.

Plants and Minds is a charity dedicated to supporting adults experiencing mental ill health by providing a safe, welcoming and pressure-free environment where individuals can rebuild confidence, develop skills and improve their overall wellbeing. At the heart of their work is a strong sense of community, where everyone is made to feel valued, respected and supported.

Their programme is centred around therapeutic, nature-based activities, primarily through horticulture. Volunteers take part in a wide range of tasks that contribute to the running of the nursery, from planting, potting and growing, to construction, administration and sales. Every role, no matter how big or small, plays a vital part in keeping the nursery going, giving individuals a real sense of purpose and achievement.

What makes Plants and Minds particularly unique is their volunteer-led approach. Individuals attend by choice, not as part of a formal treatment programme, reinforcing a sense of independence and ownership over their journey. With around 150 volunteers at any one time, the charity supports people from a wide range of backgrounds, many of whom are navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma and social isolation.

The environment they have created is intentionally supportive and non-pressured. There is no expectation, no competition and no judgement. It is a place where it’s okay to have a bad day, and where progress happens at an individual pace. Through shared experiences, volunteers build strong friendships and support networks, often finding strength in one another. For many, this sense of belonging is just as important as the practical skills they gain.

For some, their time with Plants and Minds provides a stepping stone back into employment, education or further volunteering. For others, it offers long-term stability, routine and connection. In every case, the impact is significant and life-enhancing.

We chose to support Plants and Minds because their work aligns so closely with our own values. Their unique combination of mental health support and environmental impact reflects our commitment to creating stronger, healthier communities through practical and sustainable solutions.

Our Social Value Lead, Carly Gray, said; “Choosing Plants and Minds as our Charity of the Year is incredibly important to us at Ecosafe Group. Their work supporting people experiencing mental ill health through therapeutic, nature-based activities truly reflects the kind of impact we want to help create in the communities we serve.

Through our fundraising efforts, alongside incorporating their sustainably grown products into our social value projects, we are proud to support both mental wellbeing and environmental improvement. Whether it’s through communal garden activities or enhancing shared spaces, this partnership allows us to bring people together, create greener environments, and make a genuine, lasting difference across the South West.

We’re excited to support a charity that not only changes lives but also helps communities grow stronger, healthier and more connected.”

As part of this partnership, we will be supporting the charity through a programme of fundraising activities throughout the year, helping to generate vital funding to sustain and grow their services. In addition, we are proud to be incorporating their sustainably grown plants and products into our social value projects across our contracts.

This means that the impact of Plants and Minds will extend even further, from their nursery into the communities we serve. Whether it’s enhancing communal green spaces, supporting resident engagement initiatives or contributing to environmental improvements, this partnership enables us to deliver social value in a way that is both tangible and visible.

We are particularly excited about the opportunity to bring people together through shared spaces and activities, helping to develop connection, wellbeing and a sense of community across the South West.

This partnership represents a shared vision of creating environments where people can feel safe, supported and able to thrive, both physically and mentally. We look forward to working closely with Plants and Minds over the coming year and supporting their incredible work every step of the way.