Fran Humphries

Oasis Lead & Volunteers Activities Manager (SHPU and Sheffield Flourish)

My name is Fran Humphries and I have been involved with Oasis – Gardening for Wellbeing since January 2016.

I joined Oasis because I love being outdoors and growing food, and I want to share that with other people.

My background is in farming and in local food projects and at Oasis, I have been learning to share those skills to create therapeutic horticulture opportunities for people with experience of mental health issues. I find gardening an innately hopeful activity.

At Oasis, I facilitate weekly gardening sessions at Grimesthorpe allotments, Beech (part of SHPU) and at Lowedges Fire Station (seasonal).

Working at Oasis gives me a chance to work outdoors and enjoy growing food with a group of people who enjoy the gardening work through the seasons. I also enjoy supporting other people and seeing them develop skills, confidence and friendships. Sheffield Flourish provide a wider network for support and inspiration.

I started my new role as Volunteer Activities Manager in October 2025 and I’m working in partnership with the Engagement Team at SHPU to oversee volunteer recruitment, induction and supervision. I’m working across the two organisations to develop and align volunteering processes into one single process.