Our volunteer garden therapists

Over the years we have been priveledged to work alongside volunteers from all walks of life and mostly with have a background in health and social care. All of our volunteers are DBS checked. Due to the change in programme for 2025 we will no longer require most of our garden volunteers.

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 timeemployment.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 Victoria Clark. I have a background in Holistic therapy for mental health. I am passionate about reconnecting people and nature and I am currently developing my work further in the field of Wilderness Therapy

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 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 practitioner. I like to be out in nature as I find it healing and good for the soul.

I'm Helen and I was here as a client in 2019. I 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.

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. 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.