Councillor Mark Nuti, Surrey County Council Cabinet Member for Health & Wellbeing and Public Health, visited Gateway Community Gardens, celebrating the life-changing impact of the Steps2Work Wellbeing programme—an innovative initiative supporting the mental health and resilience of Surrey residents who are unemployed.
This vulnerable group, often facing heightened risks of mental ill health, is at the heart of this holistic programme. Through a combination of personalised support and immersive nature-based therapy, Steps2Work Wellbeing creates safe, meaningful spaces for growth and recovery.
At Gateway Community Gardens, participants engage in a rich variety of activities—gardening, environmental work, cooking lessons, and art—all set in a tranquil outdoor setting designed to foster confidence, adaptability, and connection. From planting tomato seedlings and crafting new garden containers to joyfully painting a duck for the local duck race, every interaction offers an opportunity to heal and thrive.
“When you come to the garden, you have a chat, get your hands in the soil, maybe work beside someone who’s struggling — and somehow, in this space, everything feels a bit lighter. It makes all the difference.” – Lee, horticulturist and volunteer mentor.
The programme’s core approach includes:
- Nature Therapy: A nurturing green environment that promotes calm and purpose
- 1:1 Staff Support: Tailored guidance from trained professionals
- Volunteer Mentoring: Long-term, supportive relationships that build trust and resilience
Councillor Nuti praised the project during the visit, stating: “This programme funded by the mental health investment fund is not just addressing mental health needs—it’s helping people rediscover their worth and rebuild their future. The Surrey Care Garden provides a tranquil yet purposeful space for people to heal, grow, and take steps toward meaningful employment.”
Jack Wagstaff, Executive Director of Strategic Commissioning at Surrey Heartlands ICB said: “Looking after our mental health is as important as looking after our physical health. It is important that we support people to build confidence, connect with others and feel empowered. This programme is a great example of how we provide opportunities to do this through nature-based therapy.”
Cathy Leamon, Steps2Wellbeing Programme Manager at Surrey Care Trust said: “The Mental Health Investment Fund (MHIF) has enabled us to reach out to those clients that are often hidden because they don’t ‘tick all the boxes’ for support. We have been able to change lives through our mentoring support by setting and empowering realistic short-term goals with the people we support. A listening ear and a word of encouragement can take minutes. Those minutes can make someone feel valued and understood. That is the power of mentoring.”
The Steps2Work Wellbeing programme not only bridges gaps in existing mental health services but also empowers individuals with the tools and community they need to move forward in life.
For more information about the work of the mental health investment fund with a focus on prevention and early intervention in mental health, visit Mental Health Investment Fund (MHIF) | Healthy Surrey.
