Having open conversations about mental wellbeing in the workplace
Perennial, the UK’s only charity dedicated to supporting individuals in the horticultural community, has launched new initiatives to address mental wellbeing in the workplace. This effort comes in response to evidence showing that nearly 83% of people in the industry scored low or average for wellbeing in a recent comprehensive report.
The horticulture industry presents unique challenges, both mental and physical, exacerbated by rising costs, job insecurity, and general uncertainty. Whether florists, garden centre employees, nursery staff or gardeners, greenkeepers and landscapers, both the employed and self-employed are experiencing issues in their daily lives.
Need for open conversations
Recognising the need for open conversations about workplace mental health, Perennial is offering free resources to support employees and employers alike. Key initiatives include free mental wellbeing webinars designed in collaboration with Mental Health First Aid England.
These webinars, running May through November 2025, aim to equip managers, HR professionals, and employees with the skills to foster mental health discussions and practices within their organisations. Additionally, Perennial provides a downloadable Mental Wellbeing Resource Pack and access to its MHFA Ambassador Network, offering quarterly virtual meetings for trained Mental Health First Aiders in horticulture.
Clare Downs, Head of Preventative Services at Perennial, emphasises the importance of these efforts, stating, “The horticulture industry is wonderful, but it does have its challenges. We need to support each other to ensure positive mental wellbeing.”
With these initiatives, Perennial continues its 185-year tradition of building better lives for those passionate about keeping Britain beautiful. For more information and to access resources, visit perennial.org.uk/workplace-wellbeing.
Book your place on one of the free webinars and find out more about all the resources above by visiting perennial.org.uk/workplace-wellbeing.