FLORA Sessions at the Garden

Since the end of February, we’ve been running weekly sessions for young people referred to us by the Bristol City Council FLORA Team (Families, Local Offer, Resources and Advice).

Each week, the young people have planned the upcoming session activities themselves. These have included working with clay, gardening, cooking, preparing games for the Garden’s MayFest, playing chess, face painting or simply spending time chatting and supporting one another. It’s been a real pleasure to welcome such incredibly creative and thoughtful young people into the Garden!

They’ve thoroughly enjoyed these bespoke, supported sessions, appreciating the freedom to choose what interests and benefits them most. The feedback from the young people, their carers and staff has been overwhelmingly positive which in turn has made us very happy! One parent commented:

The team at Redcatch Community Garden have changed my daughter's life for the better. She loves attending, even when it has proved challenging for her, and is always welcomed and supported at every visit. The various groups run have given her the opportunity to socialise in a safe, comforting place while suffering from chronic and extreme anxiety. She has made friends who she now sees outside of the group, widening her social circle just that little bit more. I don't know what we would have done without RCG this year! It would be a crying shame if their initiatives for young vulnerable childcare like my daughter were ever to stop. RCG have a unique environment, nurturing, warm and educational. It really is a gem in the heart of Bristol.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved, and to those who support this work, whether through donations, buying a coffee at Roots or attending one of our events. You help make these sessions possible 💚

NB: The FLORA team in Bristol City Council provides information and advice to families with children who have additional needs. Specifically, they offer support and guidance for parents and carers of children with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities). You can reach them by phone at 0117 352 6020 or by email at flora@bristol.gov.uk. If you or someone you know could benefit from their support, please do get in touch. This work is part of the Climate and Disability strand of the Community Climate Action Project coordinated by the Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership, funded by the National Lottery’s Climate Action Fund.