Spotlight for International Women’s Month – Leanne, Mires Beck

This International Women’s Month, HEY Smile Foundation is proud to spotlight Leanne, Charity Support Co-ordinator at Mires Beck Nursery in North Cave, and recognise the incredible work she does within the VCSE sector.

Beyond a Plant Nursery

Mires Beck Nursery is much more than a plant nursery. For over 30 years, it has provided social day care for adults with learning disabilities through horticultural therapy. In its beautiful rural setting, service users take part in hands-on activities that build skills, confidence and social connections all within a calm and nurturing environment.

Leanne’s Journey

Leanne’s career journey has included roles ranging from supporting senior leadership at her local council to working in early years education and outdoor learning. These experiences helped shape her passion for empowering people and supporting individuals to gain the skills they need to work independently and confidently.

Her love for the outdoors and belief in its benefits for wellbeing led her to join the team at Mires Beck.

Key Role in Support

As Charity Support Co-ordinator, she plays a vital role in supporting staff and volunteer development and training – something she believes is key to helping people feel valued and confident in their work.

One of the most fulfilling parts of Leanne’s role is spending time with the service users. She describes them as an incredible group of people whose kindness, unique personalities and support for one another brighten every day.

Community Impact

Among her proudest achievements is helping open up the Mires Beck environment to other community groups. Local schools now visit weekly, and groups supported by Dementia Forward have enjoyed taking part in the activities she helps organise. Seeing people connect with the space and benefit from its therapeutic environment is something she finds incredibly rewarding.

Facing Challenges

Like many organisations in the sector, one of the biggest challenges is funding – particularly when there is so much potential to share this special place with even more people. Mires Beck is always looking to welcome new groups to experience their therapeutic environment – so please get in touch – info@miresbeck.co.uk.

For Leanne, being part of the VCSE sector means being part of a supportive community of people who genuinely care about making a difference and helping others thrive.

Leanne’s Message

“The best gift you can give someone is your time – and the smiles it creates make it all worthwhile.”

Share this story and celebrate the women shaping our communities this International Women’s Month.