Jenni Fryer, the CEO of Martineau Gardens, a 2.5-acre community garden which offers therapeutic horticulture for people with a range of needs, is heading a new project to make the venue even more accessible – while rocking to Alanis Morissette, Bruce Springsteen and AC/DC! 

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT

I’m a Brummie born and bred and started out as a journalist on the Sutton Coldfield Observer. I moved into PR and communications, working on everything from pubs to pipe work and dating to dumper trucks. When I hit 40, I decided to take the plunge and started working in the charity sector with hospices, sight loss and young people’s charities before I landed in my current role.

IT’S WHAT I DO

I’m CEO of Martineau Gardens, a 2.5-acre community garden which offers therapeutic horticulture for people with a range of support needs. We’re a registered charity and are open to the public six days a week, alongside school visits, events and hiring the space. I’m involved in the running of the charity, fund-raising, events – everything that doesn’t involve digging or planting. (I have a track record of killing plants!)

WHAT I’D LIKE TO SEE

My ambition this year is to lead a fund-raising appeal for the gardens for a new building, which the brilliant team at Martineau will be launching in June. It’s a fantastic opportunity for the gardens to become more accessible. We are launching a crowdfunder to support the next steps in the build process.

BIGGEST SUCCESS

In my personal life, raising three children solo while also caring for my mum who lived with dementia. Professionally, it’s finding a role where I see the impact of what the charity does every day. I read the other day about glimmers, tiny moments of joy that spark positive feelings. I realised just how many of those come through some wonderful moments at work for me.

BIGGEST LESSON LEARNED

There is a fine line between being courageous and a bit daft! I’ve never been afraid to try new things, but on several occasions I’ve ended up over-committed and overstretched as a result.

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT BRUM

It has to be the food. It demonstrates the diversity of the city – from the pop-up traders at Digbeth Dining Club to Michelin-starred restaurant, like Opheem. One of my favourite nights ever was a fund-raising pop-up restaurant at Martineau Gardens run by Ben Wright, who was a chef at Opheem at that time. I waitressed – it was brilliant fun. But I’m equally happy with a hot, fresh samosa from the Desi Sweet Centre on Soho Road.

DOWNTIME

I’m a huge fan of a live gig and regularly organise meet-ups for a local rock group. This year I’m off to Cardiff to see Alanis Morissette, Liverpool for Bruce Springsteen and Paris for AC/DC. I also love a smaller gig closer to home – the blues afternoon at the Hare and Hounds, Kings Heath is a favourite.

ANYTHING ELSE TO ADD?

Whatever you do today, take a walk in the fresh air if you can. Connecting with nature and being outside is one of the simplest and most powerful ways of boosting wellbeing.