It started with a seed of hope – Helen’s story

Helen was already thinking about change when something unexpected happened. 

She had a growing awareness of climate change and concerns about modern diets dominated by processed food. She wanted to eat more sustainably but found it difficult to make that intention stick. 

Her search led her to the Acorn Farm – Grow at Home project, supported by the Climate Action Fund which supports communities across the UK to act on climate change and involve more people in environmental action. The project helps hundreds of households across Northern Ireland to grow their own food at home.  

Just days before joining the project, Helen received a cancer diagnosis. As she began treatment and recovery, growing food at home became more than an interest. It gave her something steady, hopeful and practical to focus on, one small step at a time. 

For Helen, growing food became a way to regain confidence and look forward again, during and after cancer treatment. She found more than just a hobby: she found a seed of hope.  

Finding something to hold onto 

Helen heard about the Acorn Farm – Grow at Home project through her local community in Derry. Knowing it was on her doorstep made it feel possible, even at a time when her energy and confidence were low. 

The project encouraged people to start where they were, use the space they had and learn as they went. For Helen, that gentle approach made growing feel achievable, not overwhelming. She was keen to get her hands dirty and connect with nature, so Acorn Farm was just the place. 

The power of nature 

During cancer treatment and recovery, Helen found comfort in the simple, physical act of gardening. 

Planting seeds, caring for them and watching them grow gave her structure and a sense of purpose. From carrots and cabbage to lettuce and leeks, growing her own food helped her reconnect with her body, her routine and the outdoors. And the therapeutic effects of spending time in nature provided respite from Helen’s diagnosis and treatment. Learning how to harvest and cook what she grew added another layer of confidence. It wasn’t just about eating well – it was about proving to herself that she could still learn new skills and do something different. Who knew your 5-a-day could give you all that too? 

The power of community  

Helen didn’t do this alone. The project offered support from staff who took the time to explain techniques, answer questions and encourage people to give things a go. 

An online community meant she could connect with others and share progress. She could also learn from different experiences without regular face-to-face sessions. Alongside growing at home, Helen also took part in cooking sessions and a horticultural course, gaining skills along the way.  

Keeping it going 

Two years on, Helen continues to grow. She experiments with different crops – potatoes, radishes, leeks, lettuce and rhubarb – and feels more confident trying new recipes. Like radish soup, a new experiment! 

What began during a difficult period has become part of her everyday life. 

“I’ve only got a tiny space, but I’ve grown so much. The project encourages people who are curious or want to try. We grow things, pot plants and learn together. It might seem small, but I firmly believe that every wee bit we do counts.”  – Helen, Acorn Farm volunteer, Derry 

Get started  

Helen’s experience has had a knock-on effect too. Her two brothers have since joined the project, found enjoyment in growing their own food and plan to continue.  

It shows how support offered at the right time can grow into something lasting – for individuals, families and communities.  

We support environmental projects of all shapes and sizes. We offer grants from £300 up to £20,000 through our open Awards for All programme to grants over £500,000 through our Climate Action Fund.

Find out more about environment funding in your area and apply