Perrywood Tiptree aims to get more people growing in 2021 and will be supporting two charities and a community interest company who use gardening to help vulnerable groups, including refugees, the unemployed, adults with mental health issues and children. These are:
Together We Grow. Located at the Big Garden in High Woods Country Park, Colchester. This community interest company improves communities and individuals’ lives by encouraging engagement with nature and food growing. Perrywood will support the ‘Together we grow at home’ project for Refugee Action Colchester and raise funds for a much-needed mini-bus, allowing more people to access projects at the garden.
Abberton Rural Training. With training locations including Abberton, Halstead and Wormingford, this charity provides practical and skills training alongside therapeutic support to individuals in Essex and surrounding areas. Courses focus on rural skills, environment and horticulture. Perrywood will be raising funds for laptops and tools as well as supporting their well being planting scheme at all their training locations.
These organisations are very closely linked to the Perrywood vision to inspire people of all ages to get more plants in their lives and enjoy gardens and gardening. Gardening and connecting with nature have been proven to positively affect people’s mental health. It can help them relax and de-stress, especially now, when the NHS is overstretched. More and more people suffer from mental health problems.
Jacqui Stone, CEO, Abberton Rural Training, says: “We are thrilled to be chosen by Perrywood, and we look forward to a blossoming relationship with the staff and customers over the coming months. This support will make such a huge difference to individuals and families, many of whom are isolated and disadvantaged.”
Wayne Setford, Founder, Together We Grow CIC, says: “We are delighted to have gained the support of Perrywood across a range of projects this year. This will enable us to help enrich the lives of school children, their families, our diverse local communities, and to support the mental and physical health of those most in need. Together we build community, together we enrich lives, together we grow.”
Perrywood Tiptree will also be supporting the Greenfingers Charity, a national charity that builds inspiring gardens for children’s hospices. The charity needs help to create a new garden at Haven House in Woodford, Essex.
Hannah Powell, HR & Communications Director, Perrywood, comments: “We are potty about plants and know how powerful they can be. Gardening can help people through difficult times and give them new skills. By supporting these wonderful local organisations, we can get more people growing and improve many people’s lives.”
In the last five years, Perrywood Tiptree has raised over £90,000 for charities.
