How a Simple Cuppa Changed Colin’s Life and Transformed a Community Garden
For eight years, local resident Colin Hughes would walk past the gates of the newly opened Grow Speke community garden. He desperately wanted to get involved, but decades of unemployment had stripped him of his confidence. Despite a lifetime of skills—from joinery and cooking to gardening—he genuinely questioned if he had anything left to offer.
He knew he wanted to contribute, but the simple act of walking through those gates felt impossible.
The Power of a Simple Invitation
Then, one day, as Colin paused outside the garden for the umpteenth time, a small act of kindness changed everything. Someone working inside saw him hesitate and called out, “Fancy a brew?” That simple, genuine invitation was the spark that ignited his transformation.
The hardest part for myself was to walk through the gates for the first time.
In Colin’s words: “The hardest part for myself was to walk through the gates for the first time. Once I was over that first hurdle, I never looked back, just forward.”
From Volunteer to Teacher
Having taken that monumental first step, Colin became a regular volunteer. He started with the hard work: clearing the derelict site and building raised beds. He quickly discovered two things:
- The work itself was therapy. Getting his hands dirty and building something tangible boosted his mental health.
- The friendships he made in this urban green space noticeably boosted his wellbeing and self-esteem.
It wasn’t long before Colin’s extensive and varied knowledge became a massive asset. His confidence blossomed, transforming him from a quiet volunteer into a natural teacher.
From Skills Hidden to Skills Shared
Colin soon began running outdoor learning sessions about nature and growing for local schools and community groups.
His beekeeping, joinery and wildlife skills were no longer hidden; they became a meaningful contribution for the entire community.
Passing on my skills and knowledge to others is a really rewarding and uplifting experience and has helped me recapture my self-confidence and self-esteem.
From Volunteer to Employee
Fast forward to today: Grow Speke is a thriving community hub, boasting polytunnels, raised beds, wildlife pond, an orchard and an apiary with nine beehives—all managed by Colin. The honey produced helps fund the garden’s activities.
And Colin is no longer a volunteer. He is now a valued employee.
Colin’s commitment was recently recognised with a prestigious Groundwork Employee Award, celebrating not just his knowledge, but his generous willingness to share it.
Colin’s journey powerfully illustrates the transformative power of giving back.
This award is for everyone who thinks they can’t. Hopefully it proves that you can.
Ready to Take Your First Step?
Colin’s story proves that the greatest hurdle is simply taking that first step.
He says; “This award is for everyone who thinks they can’t. Hopefully it proves that you can. I would say to anyone, give it a go – you won’t know until you do. It can be, as in my case, life-changing.”
Don’t wait eight years. If you have skills to share, or just fancy a ‘brew’ and a friendly conversation, we’d love to see you at Grow Speke, Grozone. Grow Blackpool or any of our community projects.
👉 TAKE ACTION TODAY: Visit the Get Involved section of our website to find out more about projects near you and just walk through the gate!
