TRP Community Garden
A calm, inclusive outdoor space where young people, parents and carers can get their hands in the soil, grow together and find a little peace.
How the garden came about
The TRP Community Garden grew from a simple wish: to give neurodivergent young people and their families a calm outdoor space to connect, grow and belong.
In February 2026 we secured funding through Co-op UK, which made it possible to take on the land.
The Harry Skells Trust generously contributed £600 towards a secure polytunnel, giving us shelter from the elements and a place to grow all year round.
A further £200 was donated by the public in March 2026 after an appeal when high winds destroyed our original, non-industrial polytunnel and everything inside it. The loss set planting times back, and the dry drought in July 2026 added extra pressure, but the team kept going and has worked hard to maintain and build what we can in such a short time.
Our community garden plot — taking shape.
Since then the project team has grown from 1 to 9, and together with donations and fundraising we have managed to build it to this.
August 2026 — the garden in full swing.
We collaborate with local businesses who donate their old coffee grounds to support our compost production and help our soil thrive.
Community collaboration — Ink & Ember coffee grounds feeding our compost.
In August 2026 we welcomed Mabel, the project's training therapy dog, who is already bringing calm and joy to everyone who visits.
Today we organise affordable, inclusive and SEN-supportive half-term workshops for our community. We are hoping to gain funding to build a second polytunnel so our workshops can continue in the warm during the winter months.
Community wellbeing drop-ins
Join us every Sunday from spring through to the end of autumn for a relaxed community wellbeing drop-in at the garden.
Pop in for a hot drink, a friendly chat and take a moment to admire everything growing in the community garden.
Please WhatsApp us to book your spot. Sessions are weather dependent and if there are no bookings there will be no attendance that day.
From September 2026 there is a small contribution fee for adults attending, which goes towards covering refreshments.
We encourage donations to help us cover basic refreshments, but it is not essential. Or be green and bring your own flask.
What's growing
A sensory-friendly space for everyone.
Sensory planting
Touch, smell and colour-led beds designed to be calming and engaging for neurodivergent minds.
Outdoor sessions
Seasonal gardening activities, nature crafts and guided moments in the fresh air.
Community time
A relaxed place to meet other families, share stories and support one another.
Grow your own
Learn simple growing skills and take home something you have nurtured from seed.
Who can join?
The garden is open to TRP families, volunteers and local community members. Children are welcome with a parent or carer, and we aim to make every session accessible and pressure-free.
How to get involved
Sessions and volunteer days will be shared through our website and WhatsApp community. Reach out if you would like to help plant, maintain or simply enjoy the space.
Want to help the garden grow?
Whether you can spare an hour, donate plants or share your gardening knowledge, we would love to hear from you.
Get in touch