Employment Skills at Space2Grow

space2grow is an award winning mental health garden in the middle of Farnham. The garden is centred around an acre of land and the activities range from general gardening, specific projects and wellbeing activities. 

Our EmployAbility team has been supporting people at space2grow to develop and enhance their confidence, team working and communication skills. The activities on offer are varied, but can include establishing vegetable beds, planting willow hedges, or tending fruit orchards. 

Last week Emma Hunt and Finn Walters were working on relaying sleepers around a fruit bed. This task required the use of organisational skills, teamwork and horticultural knowledge. Emma said: 

I love space2grow, it is nice and calming, it has helped me feel more relaxed and confident. 

Finn continued and said: 

I have really enjoyed my first few weeks at space2grow after being in lockdown for a year. It felt amazing to be socialising. 

The outcomes of this project have been really positive. Their work was highlighted in the local paper, Surrey Choices colleague, Carla Whitby has said:  

It has been such a beneficial placement for so many people that we support and I have loved being able to be a part of their journeys and progression

The space2grow gardening group leader, Natalie, said: 

space2grow has supported the Surrey Choices group to develop their confidence and team working skills and communication reliability.