Sydenham Garden was set up to help those in our local community coping with or recovering from significant illness
Our services
Sydenham Garden was set up with the main purpose of helping those in our local community coping with or recovering from significant illness.
Patients are referred to the project through their GP or key worker and when at the project are known as “co-workers”; working alongside centre staff and other volunteers.
Co-workers have the opportunity to work either in the community garden and nature reserve or with our Art and Craft group. Although some opt to do both!
We make every effort to cater for the individual’s physical abilities as much as possible and tasks in the garden can range from light activities such as sowing seeds in pots, to heavier work such as digging or bricklaying.
We also provide accredited training and help with progression to further education, volunteering opportunities or reemployment.
The charity’s co-workers also have an active part in the development of the community garden and in the shaping of the project as a whole. Many also get involved in our very popular community events.
Regular social events, group trips to other community projects and visits to places of interest are also an important part of the co-worker experience at Sydenham Garden.
If you think you would like to join us as a co-worker, please have a look at our leaflet
Sydenham Garden Leaflet (1.2 Mb pdf)
Referrals
Once we have received a referral form, potential co-workers are invited to a taster session, where we can explain the activities involved and find out a bit more about the individual’s needs and ambitions.
Please visit the referrals page for more details.