Working in this industry is demanding, both mentally and physically, a fact that cannot be ignored. With all the current uncertainties about the future, people’s ability to manage the everyday challenges – from rising prices, increased job insecurity and longer health care waiting lists – is being put to the test.
This uncertainty has, without question, impacted the mental wellbeing of many. In Perennial’s recent comprehensive Wellbeing Research Report 2025 due out mid-May, almost 83% of people within horticulture scored low or average for their wellbeing using a recognised scale1
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 that need to be tackled.
It is essential therefore, that for long-term success across the industry, open conversations about mental wellbeing in the workplace are held and efforts made to identify concerns and put solutions in place.
There are many ways that both employers and employees can raise awareness and take action. To help start the conversation and make sure everyone feels supported and knows that help is on hand, Perennial has developed a number of free resources and tools including:
Free Mental Wellbeing Webinars
Designed with Mental Health First Aid England to help organisations understand more about mental wellbeing and give people the skills and knowledge on how best to support their colleagues in the workplace. There are 2 x different sessions running throughout May – November 2025.
1. Support your team by having confident conversations about mental health – aimed at Managers, Supervisors or Team Leaders
2. Do we need a Mental Health First Aiders in our workplace? – aimed at HR and business owners
Free Mental Wellbeing Resource pack
The charity has developed tools and services to help people during life’s challenges which can all contribute to a person’s mental wellbeing. Details of these are included in the pack which can be downloaded and shared within your organisation
Access to Perennial’s MHFA Ambassador Network
Exclusively for people in horticulture who are trained as a Mental Health First Aider, the network meets virtually once a quarter to share knowledge, ideas and best practice
“The horticulture industry is wonderful, but it does have its challenges. We need to support each other in our workplaces to ensure that everyone can access the advice and support they need for positive mental wellbeing.”
Clare Downs, Head of Preventative Services, Perennial
Take action today and start the conversation within your workplace.
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
About Perennial
Every plant, tree, flower or lawn across our beautiful parks, commons, woodlands and gardens has a story to tell of the people who not only grow, tend, nurture and protect, but who also design and build these all-important green spaces.
Perennial is the UK’s only charity supporting all those working in the horticultural community, as well as those who have retired, who dedicate their passion, time and energy to keeping Britain beautiful.
The ultimate aim is for everyone to know that Perennial is there for them. That not only is there free, tailored one-to-one confidential support on hand when needed, but that everyone can access the free advice and information available 24/7 online; covering topics such as the impact of health issues, bereavement, redundancy, family breakdowns, career progression, as well as impartial money management and health & wellbeing tools.
By offering the right information and support at the time it is needed, the charity aims to help build better lives for all those within the horticultural industry – and have been for over 185 years.
Arborists | Florists | Foresters | Gardeners | Garden Centre Employees | Garden Designers | Greenkeepers | Grounds Staff | Growers | Landscapers | Nursery Staff | Tree Surgeons | Viticulturists …
For more information email: marketing@perennial.org.uk or visit perennial.org.uk
