In April 2025, The Gardeners’ House was awarded £2,000 from the Emily Bolitho Fund — the maximum grant available through the scheme. This support enabled us to continue something quietly powerful: a regular programme of creative workshops supporting people living with poor mental health in Penzance.
The art and mental health project hasled by artists Jane Darke and Andrew Tebbs, working in partnership with the social prescribing team in Penzance to deliver nature-focused art activities for people experiencing mental health challenges. Originally funded as a one-year pilot through The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project has grown into something far more significant — and this latest funding allows us to continue building on that success.
Over the past 18 months, Darke and Tebbs have worked alongside community engagement teams at Richmond House and Bolitho House to deliver monthly art workshops. What began during the redevelopment of The Gardeners’ House has evolved into a consistent, welcoming space for creativity, connection and support.
The impact of this project has been clear. Participants have described the workshops as the only activity that encourages them to leave the house. Others have gone on to start painting at home or attend additional art classes, building on skills and confidence developed within the group.
Just as importantly, many have spoken about the value of being part of something shared — a supportive environment where creativity opens up conversation and connection.
Rosenwyn Woodman, Occupational Therapy Support Worker with Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“We have had the Gardeners’ House Art Project running for the last 18 months for the Community Mental Health Team in Penzance. This project has helped a variety of clients with their mental health. Some report that this is the only group they feel able to leave the house for; others have built confidence with different art techniques, leading them to start classes or paint at home.
The feedback from the first cohort has been extremely positive, and we feel it would benefit more clients if the group could continue.”
Thanks to the Emily Bolitho Fund, we are now able to extend this work further, funding an additional seven monthly workshops. While this doesn’t yet secure a full year of activity, it allows us to maintain momentum while we continue fundraising to support the programme longer term.
Looking ahead, we also plan to expand beyond indoor sessions, creating opportunities for participants to take part in outdoor art-making in public spaces around Penzance. These sessions will continue the project’s connection to nature while helping participants gently re-engage with their surroundings and community.
This project has shown that small, consistent interventions can have a profound impact. With continued support, we hope to keep building a space where creativity helps people feel more confident, more connected, and more able to take part in the world around them.