To give is to receive

In recent years, the Matthew Cox team have formed a strong bond with Stamford-based charity, MindSpace. This extraordinary organisation provides a vital backbone of mental health support in the local community.

Social prescribing – encouraging meaningful connection, creativity, learning and time in nature - has been proven as effective as medication in improving mental health. Through its workshop programme, social gatherings, and one very special space – their wellness garden - MindSpace has created a very complete social prescription!

From time to time, we have the privilege of rolling up our sleeves and helping out in the garden. Our latest visit was pure joy – sunshine, spring energy and a list of tasks to tick off. We dug, weeded (then replanted the weeds that weren’t weeds), planted fruit trees and seedlings, and built compost bins and raised beds. Kay, who runs the garden, gently encouraged us, somehow answering a hundred questions a minute and teaching us so much along the way.

Afterwards, we received this message from the MindSpace team: “Thank you all, what an amazing, productive morning you had! Our volunteers and participants were blown away by what had been achieved. One said, ‘I feel like I’ve walked back into the garden six months later!’ We’re so grateful for your time and support - I love having the team in the garden.”

Thank you MindSpace for the opportunity. Giving is good for the soul, and at their garden, we’re reminded that the greatest gift really is to give.