The Therapy Garden uses horticulture and education to have a positive and significant impact on the lives of people facing challenges in life. Supporting over 40 clients each week, the Garden is open to clients for 50 weeks each year, come rain, come shine, as there is plenty of indoor and undercover workspace and activities to suit all the seasons.

Referrals are made via schools, CAMHS, Family and Children’s Services, Social Services and directly. This includes children in danger of becoming NEET. The Therapy Garden replaces one day a week at school with off-site vocational training, and City and Guilds courses.

In March 2020, the lockdown meant that the young people were no longer able to attend, and income was dramatically cut. Daunted, but not defeated, ‘TG@Home’ was created; cardboard boxes were bought and every week 35+ boxes, containing bulbs, seedlings, compost, etc. were sent out to clients. On their usual attendance day, a video call was organised to carry out the activity and to catch up with their peers. For young people on their City and Guilds courses, teaching has continued. It has been a huge learning curve for the Therapy Garden, but they have emerged stronger and better prepared.

The Therapy Garden

Awarded 2020-2021