The National Garden Scheme’s annual Gardens & Health Week (2–10 May) highlights the vital link between green spaces and wellbeing. This year, the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) is proud to shine a light on the role horticulture plays in supporting veterans and their families.
The ABF is able to support organisations that use gardening and outdoor activity to improve mental and physical health thanks to the funding we receive from partners such as the National Garden Scheme (NGS). This funding also enables us to provide grants to individuals and families to improve their access to the outdoors, and to help secure work and training in the horticultural industry.
Veterans Outdoors is one of five organisations supported by the ABF in 2025, thanks to NGS funding. The charity uses outdoor activity and horticultural therapy to help veterans rebuild confidence, reduce isolation and improve wellbeing. The ABF’s grant of £10,000 last year helped the charity to deliver activities including its weekly project at a walled garden in Cornwall, benefiting around 80 members of the Army family.
Each Wednesday, an enthusiastic group of 10 to 20 veterans arrives at Pentillie Castle ready to plan, plant, harvest and prepare produce ranging from potatoes and tomatoes to asparagus and apple‑cucumbers.
Former Army logistics officer Gordon “Smudge” Smith became involved after completing one of the charity’s ten‑week Soil to Supper courses, which teach the basics of horticulture while promoting the calming benefits of working with the soil and the seasons.
“It’s the day of the week I most look forward to,” he says. “You get fresh air, good company and a real sense of achievement. When you’re here, you forget everything that’s bothering you. I’ve even been able to transfer the skills and mental health benefits to my own garden at home.”
Veterans Outdoors also supports female veterans through a wide range of women‑only events and activities, recognising that their experiences and needs can differ.
Recently named UK Veterans’ Charity of the Year and UK Veterans’ Mental Health Charity of the Year, Veterans Outdoors recognises the importance of long‑term support. “Helping to lower anxiety, lift confidence and reduce isolation takes time,” says Jeremy Hibbard, CEO of Veterans Outdoors. “We’re here for as long as the veterans need us, and we couldn’t do that without the support of the Army Benevolent Fund and partners like the National Garden Scheme.”
ABF Chief Executive, Tim Hyams, said:
“We are extremely grateful to the National Garden Scheme for its ongoing commitment to soldiers, former soldiers, and their families. The long-standing and profoundly important partnership between the National Garden Scheme and the ABF has allowed us to improve the health and wellbeing of thousands of members of the Army family through access to green space, horticultural therapy, and training and education to enable employment in the horticulture industry.”