Welcome to the Growing Space Community and Therapeutic Garden

Staffed by
Nick Truman – Community Horticulture Manager
Celia Marsh – Horticulture Worker
Rachel Kennedy - Volunteer Coordinator
Contact us at The Growing Space, The Balsam Centre, Balsam Park, Wincanton, Somerset, BA9 9HB
Tel: 01963 31842/34563 Fax 01963 31857 email thegrowingspace@tiscali.co.uk

For calendar of weekly activities click on ‘Horticulture’ under Activities & Courses

What do we do?

We run a wide range of gardening activities for anyone to join in with. Whatever your age or ability, whether you’re new to gardening and vegetable growing or an old hand, we’re sure there’ll be something here to capture your interest. These are some of our current activities and services, but if we can help you or someone you care for in other ways, phone us and we’ll do our best to cater for your requirements. We offer extra support to people who need it and our qualified experienced staff are here to help.

* Advice & guidance for new gardeners and food growers
* Opportunities for people to improve their local environment
* Bespoke courses and training for individuals & organisations
* Therapeutic programmes for those experiencing emotional difficulties, anxiety or depression
* Activity tailored for mobility and physical problems
* Confidence building and motivation through gardening and informal learning
* Learning disability support & training
* Work experience
* Schools Curriculum Support
* Accreditation for 16-19 yr olds
* Pre-school outdoor activities

Where do we do it?

We have a wide range of resources, and extensive gardens surround the centre. Whatever the weather there is always lots to do.
Younger children
Our programme of outdoor activities for younger children focuses on growing food and colourful plants. The sessions foster a more focused approach to food production that complements outdoor ‘play’. Small fully supervised groups of children work happily and safely alongside adults in the working vegetable gardens. Vegetables are taken home for cooking! This programme is open to all pre-schools in our area. Please phone for details.
Older children
Secondary schools can place students here who are on alternative curriculums. Horticultural activities are matched to Individual Education Plans. Support from our Horticulture Workers is always available, but the most valuable experience is mixing with, and learning from, the community members gardening here, many of whom are highly skilled. Opportunities exist for 16-19 yr olds to work towards a level I Accreditation. Please contact us for details of prices and bursary.
Adults
We can offer training to pre-school practitioners, primary teachers and teaching assistants who have little or no gardening experience and now need to take the curriculum outside and incorporate plants and outdoor space into their resource management. Please contact us for details.

We offer up to 12 sessions for people who would benefit from extra support, particularly those who are experiencing more severe anxiety or depression. Sessions last two hours and take place in The Growing Space on our ‘quiet’ day (Monday). The programme provides an opportunity for you to clearly identify goals, build confidence and add some structure and stability to your week. Once the 12 sessions are finished you can be supported to volunteer here more independently on another day. You will need a referral from your GP, Social Worker or other support worker. You can either ask them to contact us, or contact us yourself.
Supported Volunteering
If you feel your confidence is lacking or you need extra help you can work in the garden as a supported volunteer. You will get lots of support form our horticulture workers and will be invited to set goals that help you progress. Learn to propagate a range of plants, cultivate vegetables or learn some hard landscaping. The choices are many and the range of activities is sure to capture your interest and boost your confidence and motivation as you begin to see the results of your work.
Volunteering
We always need people who have a background in horticulture, care or education to help us deliver our services or maintain the gardens. If you have no experience but are interested, our qualified and experienced staff can provide training and guidance. We need community members who want to take on a dynamic role in both the management and maintenance of the gardens. Please contact us for details and up to date information on our volunteer positions.

To see times of sessions in the garden visit Horticulture