96% of young people said they have access to a community, defined as people and places they’re close to.
But only one in four (41%) are able to access their community as often as they'd like.
Topics: Chelsea Flower Show
The award winning YoungMinds Garden has been transferred from the RHS Chelsea Flower Show to a new home in Newham, East London. The garden is part of a wider community-led project to breathe new life into a formerly derelict site.
The silver-gilt winning garden, from this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show, has been moved plant by plant to its new location, with the help of young people and members of the community, led by the garden’s designer Charlie Chase from Chase Gardens.
The YoungMinds Garden, supported by Bupa Foundation, explores the many pressures young people are experiencing which harm their mental health and the strength found in forging connection and community. The garden is located on land on Fords Park Road that was left unused for over ten years. A team of local volunteers, led by E16 Community Land Trust and the People’s Empowerment Alliance of Custom House, have been working hard to bring the community space back to life.
On Saturday, (July 11) the YoungMinds Garden opened to the public for the first time. Originally created in response to the mental health emergency by providing a space for young people to be together and support their mental health, the garden will give the local community an opportunity to grow, creating a space to meet others, learn something new and feel connected.
Research carried out by YoungMinds and Bupa Foundation revealed the importance being part of a community plays in young people’s lives, improving their mental health and confidence and giving them a sense of belonging. 62% of young people aged 16-25 said improving green spaces near them would make them feel less lonely.
In the lead up to Chelsea Flower Show, a group of young people from YoungMinds worked with garden designer Chase Gardens, taking part in horticultural workshops, building confidence and creating community. They helped plant the garden for the show and were at the site in Newham on Saturday to help unveil the garden.
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.
