Therapeutic horticulture and environmental education
At Growing 2gether we primarily support adults and young people living with learning disabilities, but also people who have physical disabilities or those struggling with mental health.
Our site, at Cottismore Park near Kingsclere, includes greenhouses, allotments, an orchard and a wildlife education area. We also have a canteen and kitchen, a workshop, and fully accessible toilet and shower facilities.
The project offers opportunities for supported volunteering, learning and training in skills-based activities. We specialise in providing support to develop a person’s capacity to become a more skilled, independent and confident member of the community. Supported volunteers are involved in all aspects of running the project including tidying the site, weeding, planting and harvesting vegetables, site and equipment maintenance, as well as undertaking projects such as making hanging baskets.
Greenham Trust owns the site and we are very grateful for their ongoing support for the project.
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Skills training at Growing 2gether
We are a registered UK Learning Provider with staff who are qualified in training and assessment, and our service users can undertake nationally-accredited LASER Learning Awards while with us. The qualifications we offer focus on the Learning, Employment and Progression (LEAP) courses and there’s an extensive range of LEAP courses available, tailored for all ability levels – including horticulture, food production and conservation.
We can work with your school
Would you like your students to take part in fun and informative outdoor learning sessions?
Our Education Officer works alongside teachers to create sessions based around current topics on the curriculum. We can link with a range of subject areas including history, science, geography and also run sessions on healthy eating and food production. We also have a beautiful five-acre woodland in Newbury where we host our Forest School sessions. Our Forest School leaders are qualified and registered with the Forest School Association. Get in touch to find out more
Get in touchVolunteer with us
If you can spare a few hours a week or more, why not help us to help others by volunteering at Growing 2gether. Our volunteers always have a great time while providing valuable skills and time to support our Project. For more details, specific roles and how to apply go to the Volunteering page on our website
Volunteer with usActivities for Children
Forest First Toddler Group
Our toddler group is held on the first Tuesday of every month – 9:30am to 11:30am. This is a free drop-in session – no need to book! Donations are welcome and help us to continue to run the group.
This group is aimed at children who are walking as sometimes it can be too muddy for buggies. Younger children are welcome but we would suggest using a sling. This is open to parents, grandparents, childminders, anyone who wants to get outside and enjoy the fresh air! We’re outside in all weathers, so please dress for the weather (puddle jumping compulsory!).
A suggested donation of £1 per child is welcome and helps us to continue to run the group.
Story Walk
Held once a month during term-time. This is more structured and interactive story-telling session for toddlers. The session leader uses the natural environment and surroundings to explore and understand themes and ideas within the story. Booking essential. The session is free but donations are welcome and help us to continue to run the sessions.
Book hereContact us
If you would like to know more about our activities if you would like to join the team, please get in touch with us today.
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