Big Life Group – The Energise Centre’s Community Garden

What They Did

The Energise Centre is dedicated to helping Salford residents live happier, healthier lives. One way they’ve brought this to life is through their free community gardening group, which has transformed a previously disused outdoor space into a vibrant, productive garden for all visitors to enjoy.

Participants have cultivated a wide range of produce, including potatoes, tomatoes, courgettes, cabbages, strawberries, chillies, garlic, and cucumbers. Alongside this, they’ve learned how to grow their own food at home and make healthier dietary choices. The garden has become a hub for physical activity, creativity, and social connection.

Why It Matters

Gardening and spending time in green spaces are proven to boost mental and physical wellbeing. The group encourages residents to:

• Spend more time outdoors and move more

• Grow and eat fresh, nutritious food

• Connect with nature and each other

The act of growing something from scratch offers a deep sense of achievement and helps people feel grounded. As a social activity, the gardening group also reduces isolation and fosters community spirit.

Wider Impact

The benefits of the garden extend beyond individual wellbeing:

• Environmental gains: Plants improve air and water quality, absorb carbon, and help manage excess rainwater, supporting flood prevention and cooling urban areas.

• Biodiversity: The garden attracts pollinators and other species, contributing to a healthier local ecosystem.

• Continued learning: Participants gain new skills and knowledge, which supports long-term wellbeing and confidence.

Voices from the Garden

“I don’t have a green thumb, but you have really inspired me to start gardening at home. I got my husband to make me some planters and the whole garden now looks so much nicer.”

“It feels great when we get to eat the things we have grown in the garden, you feel a real sense of achievement.”