If you’d told me a few years ago that a trip to a botanical garden could be life-changing, I probably would’ve nodded politely while internally rolling my eyes. But then I read an article about a former homeless man who found refuge and purpose at Kew Gardens after battling homelessness and addiction – and suddenly, it didn’t seem so far-fetched.
The piece, published in The Guardian, tells the story of someone who, after years of instability, discovered that tending to plants and immersing himself in nature gave him a sense of structure, stability, and self-worth. The rhythm of the seasons, the quiet labour of gardening, the simple act of nurturing something and watching it grow – all of it became a catalyst for change.
And honestly? That struck a chord. Because at YMCA Leicestershire, we see the same thing happening through our Roots to Resilience project.
Nature as a Lifeline
At its core, Roots to Resilience is a simple idea: give young people experiencing homelessness or mental health challenges the chance to connect with nature, develop skills, and rebuild confidence. We know that when life feels like an endless series of closed doors, something as simple as growing a tomato plant or digging a garden bed can be an unexpected source of empowerment.
Sounds too easy, right? But the evidence is overwhelming. Studies show that spending time in green spaces can lower stress levels, improve mental health, and even reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. And when you’re a young person who’s been told “no” more times than you can count – no stable home, no job, no support network – being able to plant something and see it flourish is a quiet, but powerful, reminder that change is possible.
More Than Just a Patch of Dirt
For us, Roots to Resilience is about more than just planting a few flowers and calling it a day. It’s about giving young people the space to grow – literally and figuratively. It’s about offering structure, community, and a reason to get up in the morning. It’s about showing that life can move forward, even when everything feels stuck.
One of our young people recently put it better than I ever could:
“I never thought I’d care about plants. But when I saw something I planted actually growing, it felt like I was growing too.”
Now, I’m not saying that a garden alone can solve the youth homelessness crisis (if only it were that simple). But what I am saying is that we need more spaces where young people can heal, rebuild, and find purpose. Places where they can breathe – in every sense of the word.
So, whether it’s Kew Gardens, a YMCA project, or just a local community garden, let’s stop underestimating the power of nature to transform lives. Because sometimes, the smallest seed can grow into something pretty incredible.
If you want to support Roots to Resilience, get in touch. Because every young person deserves the chance to grow. 🌱
To find out more about our work: www.ymcaleics.org.uk
