Gardening for Wellbeing Awards 2025

The group meets every Wednesday at 10.30am outside the front of The Cathedral, when they do an hour of gentle gardening, followed by a drink and cake paid for by the Cathedral.

Participants, friends, family and support workers attended the event to celebrate the achievements of the participants who were receiving AQA Unit Award Scheme certificates they have earned over the past year. 32 participants attended and received 1195 certificates between them.

Formed in 2020 during the pandemic with support from Adult Education as just a 6 week course, the group has blossomed over the course of the last five years because the original participants were so keen for it to continue. Gardening for Wellbeing aims to create a welcoming and inclusive space where participants can make friends, learn skills and take steps towards improving their wellbeing. All participants are registered formally as Cathedral volunteers, and it is clear to see that they make a real difference to the presentation of the Cathedral grounds.

All participants at the ceremony have come a long way since attending their first sessions, building confidence and communication skills. 2025 celebrates a significant milestone in terms of the 5-year anniversary of the formation of the group but also the most certificates awarded to the most participants at an awards ceremony, in the groups history. It was a wonderful celebration!

Canon Rebecca Lloyd, Director of Learning and Participation for Gloucester Cathedral said, “It’s been a real joy to see this group grow over the past five years into such a supportive and welcoming community. What began as a short course has become a lasting expression of our Christian faith, offering friendship and purpose for those who take part. It’s a wonderful example of what it means to live out our faith in everyday life. Every one of the certificates awarded is a testament to those who help keep our grounds looking so beautiful.”

Canon Rebecca continued, “Gardening for Wellbeing aims to create a welcoming and inclusive space where participants can make friends, learn skills and take steps towards improving their wellbeing. All participants are registered formally as Cathedral volunteers, and they make a real difference to the presentation of the Cathedral grounds.

“All participants at the ceremony have come a long way since attending their first sessions, building confidence and communication skills.”

Find out more about the group, including when and where it meets, here.