According to research from YoungMinds and Bupa Foundation:
62% of young people aged 16-25 say improving green spaces near them would make them feel less lonely.
Topics: Chelsea Flower Show
A group of first-time gardeners from youth mental health charity YoungMinds are highlighting how community supports mental health as part of the charity’s first ever garden at Chelsea Flower Show.
The six 16-25-year-olds helped shape the YoungMinds Garden, designed by Chase Gardens, which explores the many pressures young people face which harm mental health and the strength found in connection and community.
Research from YoungMinds and Bupa Foundation found 62% of young people aged 16-25 said improving green spaces near them would make them feel less lonely, showing the value of having a space for young people to be together. Currently one in five young people are estimated to struggle with their mental health. They’re facing many pressures which impact on their mental health such as academic demands, rising living costs and inequality.
The YoungMinds Garden at Chelsea Flower Show showcases the strength found in community. Community has been a key part of the YoungMinds Garden.
With the support of Bupa Foundation, YoungMinds ran a Creative Outdoor Skills Programme with Chase Gardens, giving a group of young people without experience of gardening the chance to take part in workshops, developing their horticultural skills and building confidence and community.
After Chelsea Flower Show the YoungMinds Garden will be relocated to Newham, East London where it will become a permanent space for young people and the wider community to be together, build connections and develop their gardening skills.
Being part of a community helps young people feel less alone and gives us a sense of belonging. It provides a safe space to share experiences, talk openly about our feelings, and connect with others who understand us. This support builds confidence, encourages honest conversations about mental health, and helps us feel heard and valued. Another benefit is the feeling from supporting others. When you move from just receiving help to being someone who gives it, you realize how much value you have to offer.
For further information and for interview requests please contact press@youngminds.org.uk or call 0203 861 2072.
Methodology
Sonder conducted a survey with young people (aged 16-25) in April 2026.
Young people N=1500
15 min online survey
Topics covered: Community, time spent with others, time spent in public green space, barriers to accessing public green space, mental health.
About Bupa Foundation
Bupa Foundation is a charity helping to create healthier communities.
To support the creation and maintenance of urban community green spaces, Bupa Foundation Green Community Grants are open for applications from 1-30 June 2026.
About Chase Gardens
Chase Gardens are a garden design and landscape company based in South London. Their work is shaped by their belief in gardening’s ability to support healing, connection and creating opportunities.
The YoungMinds Garden is Charlie Chase’s debut garden at Chelsea Flower Show and features in the All About Plants section. Charlie was inspired by his mum's love of gardening. Following her death, he turned to horticulture as a way to help him navigate his grief. Through his work he aims to engage and inspire the next generation of gardeners.
