The Garden House
The Garden House, a volunteer-run urban farm in Marple, Stockport, provides free access to the countryside and opportunities to learn about animal welfare and farming. Since 2015, it has supported young people facing mental health challenges, social disadvantage, and at risk of exploitation, offering tailored placements in areas like animal therapy and horticulture. The charity also provides alternative education for young people struggling with social/emotional difficulties. Focused on building confidence, teamwork, and leadership, The Garden House is oversubscribed and remains open to the public six days a week.
What will the Kao SEED Fund support?
The Kao SEED fund will support the the Young People’s Community Growing Garden project. The young people will work on creating and maintaining a community garden, growing flowers, plants, herbs, and vegetables. They will also build hanging baskets and vegetable/herb boxes from recycled materials, learning about seasonal produce and sustainable gardening practices. The project is youth-led, with participants promoting the initiative through social media and other creative outlets.
Who is the project helping support?
The project will provide a placements for up to 20 young people aged 16-25 who are experiencing social, emotional, or mental health challenges, many of whom are at risk of criminal exploitation or disengagement from mainstream education and employment. Participants will gain confidence, self-esteem, and valuable skills in gardening, leadership, teamwork, and enterprise.
Impact of the project
The project will boost young people’s confidence, wellbeing, and practical skills through hands-on gardening and teamwork. It will lead to increased food-growing, wildflower planting, and produce sales, while also raising awareness of environmental issues. Success will be measured by improved wellbeing, greater engagement in school and hobbies as well as building more community volunteers and sustainability champions.