3 years' National lottery funding for Bridewell in the Community

We are so thrilled that Bridewell has been awarded 3 years’ funding from The National Lottery to take Bridewell’s work out into the local community.  

This means that we can progress one of our long-held strategies to bring some of Bridewell's magic into the communities where people live and reach more people who may be unable to access the recovery service at our walled garden site.

So, what is the funding for? And what are the reasons for doing this now?  We've listed some FAQs below to help you understand more about this important funding and what it means for the Bridewell community as well as the wider community. 

We'll keep you up to date as the project proceeds in the coming months.

FAQs

What funding has Bridewell received? 

Bridewell has been awarded a £285,000 Reaching Communities grant from The National Lottery Community Fund, spread over three years, to launch and deliver the Bridewell in the Community initiative.

What is Bridewell in the Community?

This builds on work we already do, for example working with ecology project Long Mead and our pilot project with Response (a housing charity). It is a new initiative designed to bring gardening activities directly into local communities, especially to people who face the greatest barriers to accessing the walled garden. We will work in places where people live such as supported housing projects and other gardens in the community, offering gardening activities, community connection, and chances to volunteer.

Why is this initiative needed?

Many people with chronic mental health conditions cannot travel to Bridewell’s walled garden or may benefit from shorter interventions and would benefit from drop-in activities with less commitment, whether due to physical health, mental health or medications. By bringing gardening and connection to where people live, Bridewell can reach others who are currently excluded from support, reduce isolation, improve local environments, and create new pathways into recovery. Taking part in gardening activities can strengthen people’s connection with nature, and improve the green spaces where people live.

What will this work achieve?

• Create volunteering opportunities
• Improve shared/public garden spaces
• Support residents to take part in gardening activities
• Build partnerships with local groups
• Expand work‑experience opportunities for people moving on from Bridewell’s recovery service
• Strengthen recovery and employment support outside the walled garden

Will the walled garden recovery service change?

No. The existing recovery service will continue exactly as it is, with the same team. Some Lottery funding will go towards our current work, but it will not replace or reduce any part of the walled garden programme.

Will Bridewell be hiring?

Yes. Bridewell expects to recruit new fixed-term staff roles to deliver this initiative. Details will be published on the Bridewell website, newsletter, and social media. Bridewell will also recruit additional volunteers, including current and former gardeners and members of the public.

When will Bridewell in the Community begin?

Bridewell has already piloted work in a supported housing project. The full programme will begin in Spring 2027.

Does this mean Bridewell no longer needs donations?

No. Bridewell still needs to raise 60% of its annual running costs to keep its recovery service free at the point of access. The Lottery grant funds new community initiatives, not Bridewell’s core service.

Further questions?

If you have any further questions that have not been answered here, please do get in touch with us.