Community Garden, Allotment and Site Gardening Volunteers

Organisation description:

In 23 acres of countryside, woodland and riverside habitat on the outskirts of Marple, The Garden House is an urban farm and community garden on the historic site of Oldknow’s workers’ produce garden. We are a safe space for disadvantaged individuals, families, and groups to connect with nature, farming, animal welfare and local heritage. Volunteer run, we offer placements for vulnerable young people age 14+ with challenges including mental health/ disability/ risk of criminal exploitation/ risk of making choices that limit potential/ social disadvantage. Placements include animal therapy; horticulture; maintenance; cafe work. Our objective is to build confidence, trust and self-worth, and life skills. We enable young people to re-engage with education and prepare for employment and beyond. Our placements are transformative. They provide an opportunity for young people to rebuild confidence and self-worth in a non-judgemental environment. Young people are encouraged to try new things, take on responsibilities and feel a sense of purpose and achievement in a world where so often they have heard 'no' or 'you can't do that'. Our young people benefit from connecting with nature, meeting new people, making new friendships, and gaining life skills to prepare for education and employment in a new world where they understand the sky is the limit. The ripple effect on their families and loved ones creates a fresh opportunity to enjoy their lives ahead. We rely on volunteers to maintain the site on a day to day basis.