Local gardening charity Thrive has received a donation of £11,520 from AWE to benefit clients attending its Reading centre. The donation goes towards client gardeners’ attendance at weekly sessions, where they receive bespoke support from Thrive’s horticultural therapists.
Thrive is one of the leading gardening for health charities and has been AWE’s charity partner for the last few years. Its specialised approach uses gardening and plants to improve the health and wellbeing of Thrive clients who have a wide range of disabilities, health conditions and support needs.
At the weekly sessions client gardeners benefit from an approach called social and therapeutic horticulture (STH). During this time trained horticultural therapists work with clients to improve their physical and psychological health, along with their communication and thinking skills.
Paul Scott, Thrive’s Client Services Manager said: “We are extremely grateful to AWE and its staff for this latest generous donation and the positive impact it will have on our client gardeners. It is a real privilege to be AWE’s chosen charity partner and beneficiaries of another donation. Thank you for the contributions you make towards supporting changes to the lives of our gardeners.”
AWE’s Charity Fund secretary, Michele Maidment, commented: “We’re really pleased that this donation will ensure Thrive’s clients continue to benefit from the specialised support provided. The pandemic and lockdowns have been a particularly difficult time for many of them without the routine and companionship offered by Thrive and fellow clients, so this donation is timely.”
Clients have only recently been able to return to Thrive. Prior to the Reading centre opening, a full risk review was carried out to ensure it was COVID secure for all. To further assist, earlier this year AWE provided funding for a marquee that offered additional all-weather teaching space allowing clients to be taught outdoors in COVID-safe ‘bubbles’.
Picture shows: One of Thrive’s regular clients Aaron.