“When I first moved into YMCA GWH, I felt like I was carrying around a suitcase full of heavy thoughts that I couldn’t put down. Everything was new; new people, new rules, new worries about whether I’d ever feel normal again. I spent a lot of time in my room, staring at the same four walls, wondering if things would ever change. Then, one day, the staff told us that a group of volunteers had come together, raising money and donating their time to help us build a community garden in the courtyard, an empty patch of grass at the back of George Williams House. Honestly, I didn’t think much of it at first. I wasn’t the kind of person who did ‘gardening.’
But I went along, just to see what it was all about.
The first day we went outside, I saw people I’d never met before carrying wood, and tools. They weren’t being paid; they just wanted to help. That blew my mind a little. They showed us how to build garden furniture and raised beds. I didn’t realise it at the time, but something inside me shifted that day.
From heavy thoughts to lighter mornings
For the first time in ages, I felt part of something bigger than myself. As the weeks went by, I started spending more and more time out there. I learned that we have strawberries and hope to grow tomatoes, and even sunflowers. Watching something grow from a tiny seed into something real made me feel like maybe I could grow too. The garden is becoming a place where we can just be.
On tough days, I go outside and let my thoughts quiet down. Some of us want to paint signs for the flower beds, others sit around on the benches. We laugh, share snacks, and slowly got to know each other in a way that didn’t feel forced. It’s strange, but the garden gave me confidence.
I have now volunteered to lead watering sessions with the team telling me that they will call me ‘Head Gardener’ with a hat of my own! It’s making me feel useful, like I have something worth sharing. I have even noticed my moods lifting, I haven’t been waking up with that same heavy feeling every day.
Now, when I look at our garden, I don’t just see plants and vegetables. I see kindness from strangers who gave us their time. I see proof that good things can grow in unexpected places, even in me. The volunteers probably don’t realise it, but they didn’t just help us build a garden. They gave us a place to breathe, to connect, and to believe in ourselves again. For me, it’s more than a garden. It’s hope.”
What the YMCA George Williams House garden project means
The YMCA George Williams House garden project is not only about plants. It is about dignity, connection, and purpose. The space is used for quiet reflection. It is used for small wins. It is used for growing skills that last.
The place behind the story
YMCA George Williams House provides a safe place to live for 52 young people aged 18–22 in the city centre. A further 16 bedspaces are offered across two Southampton sites for those who need lighter support.
Tenancies are offered on an Assured Shorthold basis. Stays of up to 12 months are available. Personalised support is provided so a fresh start can be made.
Growth beyond the garden
Support at George Williams House reaches beyond housing. Wellbeing is supported. Healthy relationships are encouraged. Independent living is taught. Paths into education and sustainable employment are opened.
Through Y-Pass, core life skills are learned. Budgeting is practised. CVs are written. Job applications are improved. Cooking on a budget is taught. Health and wellbeing are discussed. The programme is shared across youth services and housing projects because impact has been proven.
The quiet role of the National Garden Scheme
Behind this member’s story sits vital support from the National Garden Scheme. Through its Community Garden Grants, projects like the YMCA George Williams House garden project are made possible.
Funding was provided. Materials were bought. A courtyard was transformed. Most importantly, a place for hope was created.
Thank you, from all of us
To the volunteers who showed up. To the National Garden Scheme that backed the vision. To every person who gave time or tools. Thank you.
Because of you, heavy thoughts have been set down. New roots have been put in. And brighter futures are being grown.
