A heartfelt thanks from one of our wonderful service users.
We're delighted and humbled to share a wonderful testimonial from one of our service users who we've had the privilege to support through our gardening services.
Their kind words remind us of the positive impact we can make together, bringing positive change to those who need it most, whilst highlighting the transformative power a little outdoor space can bring to someone's life.
Read our lovely testimonial HERE
Text only version below:
Dear Phil and Wayne, Thank you so much for the wonderful job you have done on our garden. It has made a world of difference to me.
When I was well I was a very active gardener and enjoyed showing children how to garden as a teacher and a scout leader. Unfortunately in 2020 I had a nervous breakdown, couldn't work anymore and became very depressed and isolated. My husband is disabled and I am his full time carer now. I wasn't getting outside as we didn't have a garden and neither could he.
I was overjoyed when after 3 years on a waiting list we were able to get a council house with a wetroom and stair lift and most importantly A GARDEN! Unfortunately the property had been empty for a few years and became very overgrown. The council had cut all of this back but we were left with a very muddy space with nowhere to sit and nowhere to plant anything. I asked Somerset Council if there was any help I could access as I was physically unable to sort it out and couldn't afford a gardener. They said that due to funding cuts there was no help available at all and suggested I contact you.
I am so grateful for everything you did. You have created an area flat enough for my husband to access so he can sit and get some fresh air. The raised bed has enabled me to plant peas, tomatoes, radishes, chillis, lettuce, squash, pumpkins, cucumbers, potatoes and peppers. You've also given me an apple tree, a pear tree and berries.
Not only has this given me the enjoyment of growing but I've grown it all from free seeds I got from Burnham library - I am hoping to become self sufficient in vegetables eventually which will help massively in this cost of living crisis.
It has helped my physical and mental health dramatically. I have osteoarthritis and the raised bed means I don't hurt my back but the gentle exercise of planting and weeding is helping my hands. I wake up in the morning and sit outside with a cup of tea and listen to the birds.
It has also helped me to make new friends with the neighbours. Brenda, Sheila and Christine are all ladies of a certain age who live in my street and they were thrilled to see what you did with the overgrown space. They've brought me plants and popped in for a cup of tea. I wouldn't have met them without you :)
I'm trying to be as environmentally friendly as possible using rainwater, natural fertilisers and keeping an area for bees and butterflies. I'm also trying to grow mostly heritage seeds such as white radish.
So thank you from the bottom of my heart and thanks too to the people who have donated to your charity and enabled you to do such wonderful work. You've given us somewhere to sit, somewhere to grow and most importantly some hope for the future.
