A community-led organisation based in Leamington Spa has been recognised by BBC Coventry and Warwickshire's Make a Difference Award. 

For over 15 years, ARC (Achieving Results in Communities) has worked to transform neglected spaces into thriving green areas, promote sustainable living, and support community wellbeing through inclusive gardening and nature-based initiatives.

Recently, ARC's work was recognised for its outstanding contribution to local green initiatives in Leamington Spa and Warwick. 

Kath Pasteur and Kate Haines, from ARC, received the Green Award at a ceremony held at Coventry's Belgrade Theatre.

They received the award after being nominated by a member of the Lillington Health Hub who had seen the impact of its local projects. 

Recently, ARC's work was recognised for its outstanding contribution to local green initiatives in Leamington Spa and Warwick (image via ARC)

Speaking to Nub News about the award, Kath explained: "Everything that we do is about getting people out into nature for their wellbeing, whether that's just broadly wellbeing or specifically, because they're struggling.

"I feel like getting the award has just been a real boost for us.

"We've been going as an organisation for 15 years, but it still feels like a struggle to get it out there, what we're doing and to get that kind of recognition, so it was really lovely."

She added the award also feels like an acknowledgement for all of ARC's staff and its volunteers for the efforts that they've put in rather than just Kath and Kate who were nominated.

For over 15 years, ARC (Achieving Results in Communities) has worked to transform neglected spaces into thriving green areas (image via ARC)

"It's more like the whole organisation is getting the award", Kath expressed. 

She further explained, she and Kate were both surprised to have won the award, which was given out at a ceremony held at Coventry's Belgrade Theatre. 

She said: "We thought being seated up in the balcony meant we hadn't won anything. 

"We were totally surprised to win, because when we were seated in the theatre, we were up in the balcony and we thought, 'oh, well, they'll just put all the award winners down in the bottom in the stores, because it's easier to walk up to the stage'.

"When we sat down, I literally said: 'Well, we didn't win anything,' and we just thought there are lots of other great organisations'.

"So, when they called out our names, we were actually really, really surprised." 

(image via ARC)

For anyone struggling with their mental health or just wanting to get outside, ARC runs several groups, including its Wellbeing in Nature groups, in Warwick at Packmores Community Garden and Leamington.

These groups include Wellbeing in Nature groups, in Warwick at Packmores Community Garden and Leamington. 

For anyone struggling with their mental health or just wanting to get outside, ARC runs several groups, including its Wellbeing in Nature groups (image via ARC)

Sessions for the Warwick group take place on Thursday mornings from 10am to 12 noon and 12.30 to 2.30pm. 

There is also the Foundry Wood Wellbeing group held in Leamington Spa, which occurs every Tuesday at 10am to 12 noon and 12.30 to 2.30pm.

Adults, children and families are all welcome to join ARC's various drop-in sessions, courses and community events, details of which can be found on its website here.