About
To be part of the WELLIES Project you need to be referred to us – see our Get Involved page.
The effects of gentle exercise, fresh air, meeting people, making friends, fun and informal learning have a positive impact on people’s health and well-being. It’s very simple, but really works.
99% of our learners reported a positive improvement in their health after a recent project.
Activities include fishing, cookery, gardening, rural crafts, floristry, dog training, woodwork, countryside management, looking after chickens and vintage tractor renovation.
There are also outreach groups that meet at The John Hall Wellness Garden in Leek on a Tuesday from 10am until 3pm and The Heath Community Centre at Uttoxeter on a Wednesday from 10am until 3pm.
WELLIES is passionate about eating fresh, healthy, seasonal, local food and the effect it has on well-being. Each day a healthy lunch is cooked and enjoyed by the group, often using produce from the garden and eggs from the WELLIES chickens.
Past participants have said:
“I love being outdoors and trying things I wouldn’t try on my own, it is very supportive and no-one judges you.”
“I feel so much more confident and I sleep really well when I’ve been to WELLIES.”
“So much fun, love the fresh air and friendship.”
“I have realised what makes me feel well and learned new things, I’ve not laughed so much for ages.”
In 2015 WELLIES Project won an award for ‘Access to the Countryside’ at the Farming and Countryside Education Awards.
You can have a look at our video on Youtube.
In 2016 WELLIES Project was nominated for an award for the Festival of Learning.
In 2025 WELLIES Project was Honoured with the Prestigious Kings Award for Voluntary Service. An incredible milestone, with this award being the highest accolade for voluntary groups in the UK. To read the full Press Release Click Here
The WELLIES staff team celebrating this fantastic and well deserved award. Julie White, Creative Director for WELLIES and one of the founder directors said
“ this award is an appropriate and well deserved accolade to such a special team who give so much time and love to WELLIES participants and staff. Each one of them has been on their own journey and that makes this award even more special”.
Kings-Award
Kings-Award 2
Kings-Award 1
Kings-Award 3
“WELLIES helped my social anxiety so much. Started to learn new skills and improved my mental heath tenfold. Course tutors couldn’t have done any more to make me feel safe, appreciated and welcome. Loved every second.“
“My confidence by doing the course has helped me to be able to take the next step in going to university.”
“WELLIES means a lot to me. It means friendship, sense of community, ability to meet new like-minded people. It also means a place to learn new skills and learn from other people- sharing knowledge. And lastly it means having a place to be yourself and forget about any daily worries or struggles you may have and just have time to enjoy yourself and have fun and be with others.”