On 11th May, Staff, clients, and supporters of Green Health Thames Valley gathered in the in the gardens to celebrate the opening of a much-needed new building. Joining us to cut the ribbon was long term supporter of the charity Councillor Rachel Eden, attending in one of her final duties as Mayor of Reading.

The new garden building will help the charity deliver important therapy services throughout the year and in all weathers, maintaining consistent support to those who need it most. It will offer shelter and shade whilst still feeling very much part of the outdoors and facilitate a wider programme of nature-based therapy sessions and life-skills classes, that will help the charity meet the needs of its clients now, and in the future.

Speaking about the new building, Sara Kopp, Horticultural Therapist at GHTV said:

“The new garden building at GHTV is an incredibly welcome addition to our charity. Each year we support people from within the local community who are suffering with a variety of mental health and well-being challenges.

Some arrive with us at risk of self-harm or suicide, so providing a consistent level of support throughout the year, particularly in winter months when things can feel most bleak, is incredibly important. Being in the garden in extreme weather conditions isn’t always feasible, however the new building will enable us to deliver our services all year round and ensure our clients remain supported when they need us most.”

To date, the charity has supported over 100 people to overcome, or better manage, their mental health challenges, leading them to a brighter future.

The new garden building, which was funded, built and furnished thanks to the kind support of a number of local businesses including Ikea, Screwfix, B&Q, ERL Landscaping, Connect Reading and Brothers Office Furniture, will play an important role in the ongoing provision of GHTV’s horticultural therapy programme to those in need.