Thrive launch venue

London's Mayor Boris Johnson demonstrated his support for the Capital Growth initiative by organising a press launch, held on the morning of November 4 at the Thrive garden in Battersea Park, south London, which has been helping disabled gardeners and food growers for nearly 25 years.

Thrive is a small national charity that uses gardening to change lives. It champions the benefits of gardening, carry out research and offer training and practical solutions so that anyone with a disability can take part in, benefit from and enjoy gardening. Thrive works in three different garden areas within Battersea Park – the main garden near the sports arena, the Herb Garden close to Albert Gate and the Old English Garden on North Carriage Drive.

With today’s facilities it can help around 50 disabled people per year from local communities. Thrive's gardeners may have learning, physical or mental health disabilities, but through programmes specifically developed to meet their needs, Thrive helps them realise life goals and ambitions.

Thrive supports Londoners with disabilities in enjoying the many benefits of a sustained and active interest in gardening and food growing, including:

Better physical health through exercise and learning how to use or strength muscles to improve mobility
Improved mental health through a sense of purpose and achievement
The opportunity to connect with others – reducing feelings of isolation or exclusion
Acquiring new skills to improve the chances of finding employment
Just feeling better for being outside, in touch with nature and in the 'great outdoors'

We are very grateful to Thrive for hosting the press event, and hope that visitors will consider making a donation to help Thrive continue and expand its important work.