Ealing-based mental health charity, MindFood, has been awarded The King's Award for Voluntary Service for 2024.

This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.

MindFood supports people struggling with stress, depression, anxiety and isolation, by teaching them food-growing, as well as sharing tips & techniques to nurture better mental health.

It delivers gardening and other mindful nature-based activities throughout the week at two sites in Ealing: Cleveley Crescent Allotments near Hanger Lane and Horsenden Farm in Perivale.

MindFood also run dedicated sessions for selected support groups at Chiswick House.

The charity says that for many people who are feeling overwhelmed by life's pressures and finding it difficult to leave the house, the idea of volunteering "is too a huge step" but that they want "to bridge the gap".

Lucy Clark, MindFood's Programme Director comments:"We are absolutely delighted to receive The Kings Award, which recognises the efforts of our dedicated team, and our amazing volunteers.

"Every day they inspire us to do more to help people struggling with mental difficulties - they show us that with the right support, they can live happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives.

"As we say at MindFood 'You can't make a plant grow, all you can do is give it the conditions it needs to thrive.' We feel that people are a lot like that.

"We would also like to congratulate all the other Kings Award winners: we are in awe of their heroic efforts to address inequalities and make our world a better and more hopeful place to live.

"We feel honoured to be in such phenomenal company."

MindFood has pioneered the "innovative and life changing" concept of supported volunteering.

People start its initial programme ('Growing Wellbeing') often with profound difficulties eg severe depression, chronic and even terminal illness, bipolar disorder and psychosis, PTSD and abuse survivors.

The charity then get people to focus on what they can do, and this over time builds confidence and belief in a "brighter future".

MindFood add: "MindFood gently empowers people to nurture their mental health, and supports them to recover and develop at a natural pace. Long term holistic support is key to this.

"So MindFooders become more volunteer and less participant over time - as they feel better, they are able to give more."

To learn more about the Ealing charity click here.

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