EX CEPTIONAL
VOICES - SEASON TWO
Seeds of Change
The Glasshouse is a social enterprise specialising in indoor plantscaping, dedicated to empowering women through meaningful horticultural training and employment. Co-founded by Kali Hamerton-Stove and Melissa Murdoch in 2020, the project is based at East Sutton Park Prison and provides training, paid employment and resettlement support to women approaching the end of their sentences, helping them build confidence, skills and opportunities for life after custody. Its innovative model has achieved a 0% reoffending rate among participants and demonstrates how purposeful work and connection with nature can transform lives.
Their innovative work was recently recognised with a Gold Medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2025.
In this episode, the Exceptional Voices Team explores the work of The Glasshouse, joined by Founder Kali and Ri, whose journey illustrates the transformative impact of the programme.
Ri, Programme Participant, The GlasshouseIt hasn’t just been life-changing. It’s been life-saving.
As a woman of a certain age with a criminal record, my chances of finding meaningful employment were very low. Without The Glasshouse, I would likely have left prison homeless and extremely vulnerable.
Working with plants gave me dignity and privacy – a safe space to think and heal. It reminded me that I had skills, strengths, and value. It made me feel like I belonged again.
GUEST SPEAKERS
KALI HAMERTON-STOVE | Co-Founder, The Glasshouse
Kali Hamerton‐Stove is co‐founder of The Glasshouse, a social enterprise that supports women with lived experience of the justice system into meaningful horticultural work.
Ri | Glasshouse Programme Participant and Team Mentor
Ri is gaining hands-on horticultural experience through The Glasshouse Programme.
Listen below now!