The Grow Project is a charitable organisation run by people who know what it is like to struggle with wellbeing challenges.

The staff team is made up of the Co-Founder and Director Jo supported by project co-ordinator Jane, sessional workers Jennifer, Vickie and a wonderful team of Trustees and volunteers

Jo Wren, Co-Founder and Director

I've always loved the countryside and nature and known instinctively how good it is for my own wellbeing.  I'm never happier than when tramping through the woods, climbing hills or out on the water.  I’m extremely lucky that my work with Grow gives me the chance to do these on a regular basis and I’m constantly inspired by the people who come to Grow and the challenges they overcome. 

With 15 years of group facilitation, managing projects and working with people in the charity sector, this project uses all of my skills in a wonderfully holistic way and adds to them on a daily basis –from writing funding bids to whittling and everything in between!  

I’ve recently moved to Steyning and am very grateful for all the wonderful countryside that surrounds me on a daily basis now.

Jane Howard, Project Co-ordinator

My three passions – people, nature and community, have been my life-long companions. It genuinely thrills me to be in the company of each one, and I feel really ‘at home’ when there is a fine balance between all three! Growing up in the wilds of Bodmin Moor (Cornwall), I was fortunate to be shaped by nature, experiencing close encounters with it, in a variety of forms – and daily! Occasionally it was scary, sometimes it was lonely, and most of the time it was simply the best!  I found Grow, a few years ago now, when I was searching for the best remedy for someone very near and dear to my heart, who was struggling. Ever since then, initially as a participant, and subsequently in my role as Project Co-Ordinator, I have had the privilege to come alongside so many special people, and to share our nature journey together.

 After I finished Grow Season 17 as a participant, way back when, I thought ‘Why isn’t Grow prescribed by the NHS?’ Now, as we start planning for Season 37, I’m thinking ‘Come on, we’re nearly there!’

Vickie Norris - Sessional Worker

I discovered Grow during what had been a dark time in my life. Whilst a participant I knew I was experiencing something magical, but I was completely unaware as to just how life changing my weekly dose of nature was to become. After years of a self-imposed isolation from the world in general due to poor mental health, becoming a part of Grow gave me a new perspective on life, people and a love of the natural world, especially the South Downs. I knew that I didn’t want to say goodbye to Grow once my course was at an end and I was honoured to return as a volunteer before being asked to be a sessional worker on various projects. I am passionate that everyone belongs out in nature, there isn’t an entry fee, and the earth isn’t going to judge us on what we are wearing or how we are feeling on a given day! I love how transformative being outdoors as a group can be for wellbeing and mental health. I am so excited to share nature and nature connection practices with everyone and it is a privilege to be able to do so.

Julie Wright, Co-Founder, Chair of Trustee Board and Group Facilitator

Being out in nature & around animals lights up my life, it's essential for my emotional & physical wellbeing.  And my passion for the therapeutic benefits of nature connection led to setting up Grow.

I have over 25 years experience of group facilitation, nature-connection practice and project development. Trainings include eco-psychology, counselling, mindfulness and 3D art & design. Over the last decade I have also developed a parallel career in health research, which has been fascinating. Other sources of inspiration are Buddhist philosophy, Talk Circles, and the wisdom of dogs! 

Once upon a time, I was a photographer living the high-life in London, but that started feeling hollow & so did I. A career in wellbeing & nature connection beckoned & I've never looked back.  I feel very fortunate to do this inspiring work.

Jennifer Sanders, Sessional Worker

I have always loved the outside. My earliest memories are playing in the woods near my home and gardening with my mum - being so amazed as the seeds I planted came up through the earth. That awe and wonder of nature have stayed with me.

I found Grow at a tricky time in my life, caring for my mum who had dementia and struggles with my own mental health. To say it was life-changing is not an understatement. The healing power of nature, connection with others, and learning new skills in a safe and supportive group was such a tonic as well as coming to terms with and integrating my mental health into daily practice.

Coming from a long working background of supporting others in addiction and recovery, homelessness and mental health needs are all skills I have brought to Grow, initially as a volunteer, and now as a facilitator of projects for the last 3½ years.

I feel humbled and incredibly lucky to be working with Grow in such beautiful environments in Sussex and being a small part of people’s reconnection and recovery in nature.

My daily nature prescription is non-negotiable and you can find me on the Downs with the poppets (2 terrier cross dogs) tending my seeds in the greenhouse, or sea swimming in Saltdean.

Graham Wellfare, Associate and long-serving project supporter

I have worked for the National Trust for over 20 years. During my time at Saddlescombe Farm GROW has undoubtedly been the standout project and because of GROW I have met and worked with over 300 people who I don’t think I would have met otherwise. I am very aware of the therapeutic benefits of being in the outdoors, and it’s a major reason why I chose to be a ranger. To be able to share my passion for nature with people who are suffering from mental ill-health and seeing, first hand, how it can be used as a tool to manage their illness has been quite humbling.

I believe GROW has the ability to expand and this is something we are looking to do across other National Trust sites. Being on the management committee will allow access to potential sites and people to achieve this.

Trevor Beattie, Trustee

Trevor Beattie was former Chief Executive for the South Downs National Park Authority, a role he retired from in January 2024.  Following his early career in the Department of Environment where he was Private Secretary to four successive Ministers of Local Government and Planning, Trevor joined English Partnerships where he became Corporate Strategy Director. Trevor is a Governor of the University of Brighton and a member of the Greater Brighton Economic Board. He grew up in a small village in West Sussex and has lived close to the South Downs for most of his life.  He has always enjoyed walking across the Downs and exploring “paths less travelled”. He is also a keen advocate of walking meetings that resolve issues by shifting people away from their desks and into nature

Yok Chang, Trustee

A friend sent me details of GROW in 2016 saying I would enjoy the course and benefit from it like they had. So true! I was on season 16 and found those weeks at Saddlescombe farm and surrounding countryside immensely restorative. I had decided to take early retirement from my busy, stressful life as a GP recognising that my work-life balance was unhealthy for me.

The photo shows me taking a walk by the sea in Kingston Gorse. GROW gently reminded me how wonderful Nature is and connecting with that universal energy nourishes.

Liz Allen - Trustee

After a career in trade unionism, widening participation in higher education and – latterly - university strategic planning, I am now enjoying retirement.  I have always gone to nature for joy and solace.  Retirement coincided with bereavement, illness, pandemic and lockdown. Walking, observing the gradual changes in the natural world day by day, and swimming in the sea throughout the year, have all sustained and nurtured me.  I was already volunteering, in a small way, for the Sussex Wildlife Trust when the opportunity to become part of Grow came along.  I hope I can contribute some of my professional experience to Grow as it expands its reach to more people and I am looking forward to working with a diverse group united by a shared passion for nature.