The Therapy Garden is a horticulture and education charity that works to have a positive and significant impact on the lives of people facing challenges in life. Whether by giving a sense of purpose to children with special needs; or by reducing the isolation of a young person living with autism or someone older living with dementia. Whether by building confidence in adults recovering from a stroke; or by helping to equip young people who have additional learning needs for a possible future in the workplace. We change lives for the better and we do this by creating a safe place to enjoy the power of gardening and to connect with nature.
Formed over 20 years ago in 1998, the Therapy Garden operates from a 2 acre site in the village of Normandy, just outside Guildford in Surrey. Supporting over 40 clients each week, the Garden is open to clients for 50 weeks each year, come rain, come shine as we have plenty of indoor and undercover work space and activities to suit all the seasons. We have a zero use of chemicals policy in our garden, and we look to promote wildlife throughout our site.
We are supported by over 50 volunteers who help working directly with the clients, maintaining the Garden, and driving and chaperoning our clients in our own wheelchair accessible vehicle. We were delighted that in 2017 our volunteers were awarded the Queen’s Award for Volunteering.