Our volunteer garden therapists

We accept volunteers from all walks of life and mostly they have a background in health and social care. A good level of fitness is required as is some level of experience working with vulnerable groups either professionally or as a carer or volunteer. All of our volunteers are DBS checked. If you would like to learn more about becoming a volunteer, please contact Satinder at 07789640421 or email info@serenitysth or you can also download our volunteer application form here

I'm Lydia, After 47 years in nursing, a career that gifted me with rewarding experiences and challenges, retirement has afforded me time to indulge in activities not possible when in full time employment.Involvement in Charities like Serenity, Cornerstone and Kynren has been an opportunity for me to make my small contribution to our community.As far as gardening is concerned, I am enthusiastic but do not consider myself accomplished.

I'm Pauline, I spent my working life within the Quality Assurance sector of the pharmaceutical industry.Within my profession and personal experience I have given both direct and indirect care to patients and family.Since retiring I have been volunteering my services to good causes such as this charity, local nursing homes and lunch clubs to enhance social activities.My Hobbies include walking, cycling and gardening which I find strengthens both physical and mental wellbeing.My motto is “Try to do a good deed each day”.

I'm Ken,I teach tai chi.I have always been involved with teaching: tennis, coaching children & adults.Previously teaching martial arts too.Also running my own driving school.I got involved with tai chi after attending a beginers class.as result of stress &panic attacks.as result of powerful antibiotics.I Knew at first practice that I would teach it,the effect was very profound.I have been teaching nearly 14 years all over the north east, and there is nothing better than to see how it makes people feel.I realise whatever skill I have been involved in, its always about connecting with people,getting together,and making it fun.

I'm Julia, I've enjoyed gardens and gardening for a long time and have been fortunate to have access to them for most of my life. I would like to encourage others to enjoy growing plants and to benefit from fresh air. Our present garden is a joint enterprise with my husband Howard. We have managed to split cultivation of areas of the garden fairly amicably. After gardening activities, rest is taken with a book or a cryptic crossword, not always successfully. The most important family member, our black labrador Molly, also enjoys the garden fruits: raspberries, plums and apples.

I'm Olive and I trained as a general nurse in Harrogate many years ago and have mostly looked after elderly people, family included. My posts were locally at Whorlton Grange nursing home which is now closed, and laterly at Beaconfield Court. I have spent five years volunteering at the Marie Curie charity shop in Barnard Castle. I love gardening, and find it therapeutic.

I'm George and I trained in Environmental Science including Horticulture, in Northumberland 1971-74. I joined Serenity last year as a volunteer and have a life long love & strong interest in gardening. I've met some really interesting people at Serenity dealing with different life challenges and we all work well together in the gardens. A big interest of mine is herbs and the 'healing power' of different plants. When not working or enjoying my time as a gardener or as granddad, I practise & teach Reiki, Meditation & Bach Flower Remedies in both the UK & in Spain.

I'm Jody and I grew up in the Pacific Northwest in North America. My 101 year old granddad taught me everything I know about gardening. I hope to follow in his footsteps. I was a horticultural instructor for a non-profit organization for 3 years. I have worked in health research. I have worked in various healthcare environments with a wide range of age groups of people living with medical conditions. I trained as a massage therapist and worked for Neals yard remedies. Currently I facilitate relaxation sessions and am a self-taught sound bath practioner. I like to be out in nature as I find it healing and good for the soul.

'm Helen and I was here last year as a client but was so inspired by the programme that I have become a volunteer and trustee. I believe in living in the moment and being the best version of yourself.I have two adult children and a very noisy miniature dachshund called Bertie!I like to challenge myself daily and am learning to play the banjo! Don't ask me to sing because I can't. But do feel free to ask me anything that you are unsure about as I am here to help you be your best self.

I'm Carole and have been retired for a few years. I was in retail before retiring and my interests are gardening, baking, meeting people, walking and being with my family

I'm Alan and am ahappily retired engineer, teacher (design & technology), local government officer and self-employed community planner. Also keen amateur photographer and social permaculture design facilitator - observing, collecting and recreating patterns found in nature (flora and fauna - plants, trees, fungi, birds, insects, weather, soils and geology) as a simple yet effective tool for building holistic personal and community wellbeing actions/outcomes

We are Satinder and Mike and we would like to welcome you to our garden idyll. We hope you thoroughly enjoy your time with us and that you form new friendships as well as learning new skills.You will be surprised how much more you can do and how much better you can feel when given meaningful hope and positive distractions, surrounded by Nature, the ultimate healer.