Empowering Communities Through Green Growth: ecoACTIVE and The Julia Rausing Trust
At ecoACTIVE, we are passionate about creating opportunities for communities to connect with nature, learn sustainable practices, and thrive together. Thanks to the generous support of The Julia Rausing Trust, we are expanding our mission to foster vibrant community gardens and empower individuals through education, collaboration, and environmental stewardship.
Our Vision
Community gardens are at the heart of our work. They are much more than green spaces—they are places where people come together to learn, grow, and build lasting connections. With the backing of the Julia Rausing Trust, we are enhancing our programmes and reaching more people than ever before, nurturing a sustainable future for all.
What We’re Achieving Together
With this support, ecoACTIVE is committed to delivering impactful results over the next three years:
Sustaining Current Gardens: We are providing vital support to nine existing community gardens, ensuring they continue to thrive and serve their local communities.
Expanding Our Reach: Each year, we will recruit and support three new community gardens, adding up to nine more gardens by the end of the grant period.
Empowering Volunteers: We will deliver 85 training sessions, equipping 100 volunteers with the skills and knowledge needed to care for and sustain their gardens.
Educating Communities: Through our Gardening & Environmental Education Programme, we will engage 500 participants, inspiring a deeper understanding of and connection to the environment.
Building Networks: We are creating opportunities for 80 participants to connect, share ideas, and strengthen bonds within and between communities.
The Impact We’re Making
The work we’re doing together is designed to create lasting change for individuals and communities alike:
New Skills for Volunteers:
75% of our volunteers will gain valuable new skills, boosting their confidence and their ability to support sustainable community gardens.
Stronger Social Connections:
85% of volunteers and 70% of community event participants will report making new friends and building stronger social bonds, reducing isolation and fostering a sense of belonging.
Improved Well-being:
80% of volunteers will experience improvements to their physical and/or mental health. Whether through the therapeutic act of gardening or the calming presence of green spaces, the benefits are clear.
Making a Difference Together
This partnership with the Julia Rausing Trust enables us to amplify the impact of our work. By supporting community gardens and delivering meaningful educational experiences, we are planting seeds of hope, connection, and growth in every community we touch.
Looking Ahead
Over the next three years, we are excited to see the transformation of both our gardens and the lives they enrich. Together with the Julia Rausing Trust, our volunteers, and participants, we’re building a brighter, greener future for all.
Stay tuned as we share stories of growth and success—and thank you to everyone who is part of this incredible journey. Let’s keep growing together! 🌱
