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Just three months into his role with SIG Penrose Roots, Martin Cummins is already making a meaningful impact. Working at the intersection of mental health, nature and community wellbeing, Martin connects people experiencing challenges such as isolation, mental ill health, unemployment and release from prison with opportunities to build confidence, learn new skills and reconnect with their communities.
With a background in management, personal experience of overcoming difficult times and a strong belief in the power of listening and encouragement, Martin is passionate about creating welcoming spaces where everyone feels supported. We caught up with him to learn more about his role, the benefits of green social prescribing, and his ambitions to help people discover new pathways towards wellbeing.
You have spoken openly about your experiences of mental health and loss. How have these shaped the way you support others?
I believe that having some understanding of what people are feeling or experiencing, given whatever is currently happening, is important in helping us support each other.
What was it about this role that made you think, “This is exactly what I want to do next”?
Everything to do with health and nature is “healthy.” Being part of promoting this project is an opportunity to share those experiences with everyone and the positive effects they can feel.
For colleagues who have not met you yet, what does a typical week look like?
For me, it has been particularly busy promoting the service with coordinators within other organisations, welcoming new project members on site and spending time with people attending our projects, whether through conversation or being involved in activities. Volunteer recruitment is another important part to ensure suitability and support during their first few weeks.
You’ve been in post for around three months. What has been most rewarding so far?
Most rewarding has been getting to know the members and their personalities. It has been fantastic. We are also learning. It is important that we take an interest in the things that matter to people and the topics of conversation. One person might love football, while someone else might be passionate about music, so some knowledge helps with meaningful conversations. It has been brilliant.
What skills from your previous career have been most useful for this role?
I would say management. This may sound peculiar, I know, but the responsibility of supporting a large team and candidates. It puts you on both sides of the role. This understanding comes when we listen to our team’s feelings or concerns, and the role entails a possible change to make better. Good management is about supporting; it is about being a mentor, having positive conversations, or maybe just offering praise and encouragement, and sometimes simply being a good listener.
Could you tell us more about SIG Penrose Roots and the Health & Nature project?
The projects support people in a variety of ways. Firstly, the foundation is to support anyone who may need us. This could be mental health, isolation, disability, substance use recovery and resettlement from prison. The projects are designed to support people in learning new skills. It is possible to create pathways towards future opportunities. We can also help people get out and benefit from the outdoors and physical wellbeing by donating recycled bicycles.
The project is part of a funded partnership. How do the different organisations work together?
Nature Town & Cities is our funded partnership, and we are connected with a range of organisations. We come together often to discuss how the projects are progressing and consider how we can support one another. These session talks are always promising, and there is very good support from across the partnership.
SIG has been described as the partner of choice for the project’s mental health element. What expertise does SIG bring?
I can see why. Expertise does not always come from a book or video. In some roles, it comes from a different place, by this I mean from our personal lived experiences, and I believe the SIG team brings this quality to the partnership.
How would you explain green social prescribing to someone who has never heard of it?
Green social prescribing is like creating a new healthy habit. It is a new form of treatment that works alongside your current treatment. For example, we all get anxious at some point, and for some people, taking tablets may help because they haven’t been helped or advised on any alternative. Now, instead of tablets, you might go out for a good walk in the park, take in the views and fresh air, and be interested in everything as you go; the flowers, the trees, or other people. Green social prescribing is about using nature as part of healing and supporting connection, meeting old and new friends.
Why can nature play such an important role in supporting mental health and wellbeing?
With every updated survey, research continues to show the benefits of spending time outdoors. Being active in nature can support our physical wellbeing and improve our mood.
What kinds of people are referred, and what support is available to them?
Everyone is welcome, and that is what makes the project so great. The team is there all year-round to support members. People can take part in the activities we have on site or simply come along to chat.
What positive changes have you seen in the people accessing the project?
I have witnessed many positive changes in a short space of time. The challenges are varied, so seeing people experiencing social anxiety begin to enjoy group activities or people who were previously isolated start looking forward to attending the project. Challenges with mental health, and to witness confidence returning to talk and seeing positivity within themselves is fantastic. Reasons like this are the purpose of the project. We continue to develop areas and work with project members to explore employment opportunities following unemployment or release from prison. Every member receives the team’s full support.
Has there been a particular moment that reinforced why this work matters?
There has been a few. I recently visited a few wards in hospital which were secured wings. I spoke to a young man who is determined to improve our waterways in Luton. He spoke very well about the subject. I don’t know the reasons behind his situation, but he shared that he went to his room a few nights ago, and he had been supported at a critical moment by someone he met on the ward. We discussed supporting him on his journey going forward, and his interest in the projects. When I was leaving, I handed our project leaflets to the ward staff and was invited to return regularly.
How do you help someone take the first steps towards rebuilding their confidence or move forward?
There are many personalities. Some may be a little impatient or the opposite, requiring different approaches. I would always remain optimistic with their goals and aspirations and encourage each step they take. We also need to learn more about them, so we have the understanding to support the right steps at the right pace.
You have built relationships with local organisations, the NHS and community groups. What opportunities are you most excited about?
There are many opportunities ahead. I am looking forward to meeting the Chair of Churches in Luton and exploring together many other projects and connections we can develop, all of which are exciting, so watch this space.
What would success look like a year from now?
Success would be seeing all our projects and members doing well, while creating new pathways and opportunities as we go. We want to encourage everyone who can participate in work experience to do so, helping them learn new skills and build confidence. For me, success would be seeing project members take those steps and believing it is possible.
If you had a completely free day outdoors, how would you spend it?
In nature with my dog by my side.
During his first three months, Martin has focused on building relationships, strengthening community partnerships, and helping people experience the positive difference that nature, connection and compassionate support can make to their wellbeing.
His ambition for the future is simple but powerful: to create more opportunities for project members to build confidence, develop skills and explore new possibilities.
As SIG Penrose Roots continues to grow, Martin is looking forward to expanding its partnerships across the community and helping more people take positive steps towards their goals.