roz's story: growing confidence, connection and community

15th July 2026

*Names have been changed for privacy purposes.*

 

For many years, Roz's world had become smaller and smaller. Living with long-term health challenges, she found it difficult to leave home and felt increasingly disconnected from the people and activities around her.

 

When Roz was referred to Windmill Hill City Farm’s volunteer scheme, even visiting the site for the first time felt daunting. But the Farm offers more than activities and volunteering opportunities. It offers something many people struggle to find - a welcoming community, a chance to be outdoors, and the time and support to build confidence at your own pace. 

 

Working closely with our friendly Health and Social Care team, Roz was introduced to the Farm gradually. 

Together, staff and volunteers created a supportive environment where she felt safe, respected and able to take each step in her own time.

 

Little by little, things began to change. 

 

Through volunteering in the gardens, Roz rediscovered something she had been missing for a long time, joy. 

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"It's the first time in ten years that I’ve felt able to do something I enjoy. I love being in the garden." 

For Roz, being able to contribute, create and connect with others has been transformative. A simple gift she made during a Farm session sparked conversations with friends and gave her something positive to share from her own life. 

"It was the first time in ten years that my life was different." 

 Stories like Roz's remind us why places like our little city farm matter. The gardens, growing spaces, pathways, meeting places and welcoming community that make up the Farm create opportunities for people to reconnect with themselves, with others and with the neighbourhood around them.

 

This is the power of community-led green spaces. They bring people together, reduce isolation, support wellbeing and help create communities where everyone has the opportunity to belong and thrive. 

Help keep growing confidence, connection and community 

Roz’s story is a reminder that when people have access to welcoming green spaces, supportive relationships and opportunities to contribute, remarkable things can happen.

 

At Windmill Hill City Farm, it isn't just our programmes that create change. It's the Farm itself. The gardens, growing spaces, pathways and places to gather provide the foundation for connection, confidence and belonging. They create opportunities for people to spend time in nature, build relationships and become part of a community.

 

For Roz, the Farm opened a door that had been closed for many years. Today, too many people are facing isolation, poor mental health and increasing barriers to community life. At the same time, spaces like Windmill Hill City Farm are under growing pressure. Without investment in the site, the opportunities it creates for people and communities are at risk. 

That's why we need your support

Please donate to our Our Golden Harvest appeal today. Your gift will help safeguard the Farm and the green spaces at the heart of our work, ensuring more people like Roz can find connection, confidence and belonging for years to come.

 

Together, we can protect this vital community resource and keep the gates open for everyone who needs it.

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