Charities need to seek new opportunities, move forward and reinvent themselves if they are to survive in this more austere financial climate, says Baroness Thomas.
And the Baroness is kind enough to credit Thrive with doing just that.
"The work Thrive does is exciting and inspiring," says Baroness Thomas. "The Working It Out project at Battersea has particularly caught my attention.
"Susan Stuart and her team are doing a marvellous job in helping Londoners with mental health issues or learning difficulties pick up practical skills which should help them gain employment in the future.
"These can often be the forgotten people in our society and there is no paper based examinations or pressure."
Thrive wants people to succeed by working at their own pace, with praise given, however big or small the achievement.
With the Government re-assessing people on Incapacity Benefit (now known as Employment and Support Allowance ESA), the Baroness knows charities like Thrive could be more in demand if people are moved off benefits and steered towards finding employment.
"What is happening in government now is challenging," said Baroness Thomas, a LibDem Peer.
"I am keen to ensure that with the financial climate as it is, charities are not left to pick up the pieces.
"We debated this recently in the House of Lords.
"Charities should not face any more expenditure than necessary thus allowing government to call it the 'Big Society’.
"Fortunately charity work is being looked into and there will be a green paper out this year looking at how to help free charities from bureaucracy.
"Charities can, and do, have a fruitful relationship with government."
The Baroness has seen this first hand with another charity close to her heart, Muscular Dystrophy, who funded some support posts which the NHS then took up when the funding came to an end.
Baroness Thomas came across Thrive in 2006 at an event in Victoria Tower Gardens where she met Susan Stuart.
"I thought Thrive was a very interesting charity, which also captured my interest because I live in Balham, South London not too far from Battersea Park.
"It was wonderful to judge the Thrive Battersea Flower Show a couple of years ago and I was also able to meet many interesting people who also give their time to Thrive.
"I have visited the gardens in Battersea and I think the Thrive website is outstanding, full of useful information and I enjoy reading about the projects."
The Baroness says she is delighted to be one of the new Patrons of Thrive and looks forward to working with us in the future.
She has already mentioned Thrive once in the House of Lords, and hopes there will be other opportunities, as many Peers are interested both in gardening and in helping empower people with disabilities.
Talking about her own garden, Baroness Thomas said: "I love my garden although it would not win any prizes for being neat and tidy.
"I am particularly proud of my mimosa tree, but whether it will survive this winter is debatable.
"As I can’t bend down, I try to weed using a long-handled tool called a speedy weedy, and a long handled small fork, but I think the time is coming for getting some raised beds constructed.
"I love scented plants and try to encourage bees and butterflies into my garden with lungwort early in the year and buddleia later on.
"Sturdy roses are always useful – at least I can prune them without falling over! "