- 🌱 Plants provided for therapeutic horticulture sessions at a community garden
- 🧑🦳 Over 80 volunteering opportunities per week for vulnerable adults and young people
- 💡 Measurable improvements in mental health, wellbeing, and social connection
Martineau Gardens is a haven of tranquillity, where nature can be appreciated and enjoyed just minutes away from the bustle of Birmingham city centre. This 2.5-acre community garden includes organically-managed vegetable plots, ponds, and a woodland designated as a Site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation (SLINC).
The therapeutic horticulture programme provides over 80 volunteering opportunities per week for vulnerable adults and young people. Volunteers have a range of additional support needs, including learning disabilities, mental health issues and neurodivergent conditions. Most have never been able to work and are profoundly excluded from society as a result of the challenges they face.
The volunteers attend on a set day each week and undertake supported gardening and other outdoor activities – such as green woodworking – which measurably improve their mental health and wellbeing, and help to maintain the biodiverse site for the benefit of the people and wildlife of Birmingham and beyond.
Through the programme, volunteers develop gardening skills and knowledge, life skills such as independence and teamwork, and build social connections. Without them, this beautiful community garden would simply not exist.
“Walking through the gates, I get a sense of peace, of burdens lifting. I am valued, accepted and listened to.”
— Volunteer, Martineau Gardens Therapeutic Horticulture Programme
For people who have often felt excluded and overlooked, the garden becomes a place of belonging – where every contribution matters and every person is welcomed.
Your gift of plants will help improve the lives of vulnerable volunteers by helping deliver activities that develop skills and build a sense of purpose and community.
This gift was delivered in partnership with Martineau Gardens – a charity community garden which provides a safe and welcoming space for adults, young people and children to connect with nature and improve their wellbeing.