Gardening with Disabilities Trust

The Gardening with Disabilities Trust is a UK-based charitable organization dedicated to enabling people with disabilities to participate actively in gardening and related leisure activities. Established to alleviate suffering and distress caused by disability, the Trust provides small grants to individuals and groups across the United Kingdom to help them adapt their gardens and continue gardening despite physical or mental challenges[4][5].

History and Purpose

Originally known as the Gardening for the Disabled Trust, the charity changed its name to Gardening with Disabilities Trust in 2021. Its primary mission is to improve the well-being of people with disabilities by supporting their engagement with gardening, an activity recognized for its therapeutic benefits. The Trust was founded on the understanding that gardening can positively influence physical, psychological, and social health, contributing to an enhanced quality of life for disabled people[1][2][5].

Activities and Services

The Trust awards small grants aimed at funding adaptations such as raised beds, accessible gardening tools, or other modifications needed to make gardening feasible for people with disabilities. Applicants must provide medical documentation of their disability, as well as quotations for the proposed garden adaptations. The organization encourages applicants to involve friends, family, or volunteers in the labor required, if necessary[2][3].

These grants support a wide range of disabilities, including chronic mental and physical conditions, facilitating continued participation in gardening. The charity specifically does not award grants for children and focuses on supporting adults and groups[1][5].

Organizational Structure

Gardening with Disabilities Trust is staffed entirely by volunteers and is based in Kent. It operates across the UK, providing assistance to both individual gardeners and charitable organizations that cater to disabled individuals. The Trust’s patron is Alan Titchmarsh, a noted broadcaster, journalist, and gardener[1][5].

Impact

Feedback from grant recipients highlights the life-changing effects of gardening enabled through the Trust’s support, with many clients noting improved well-being and the ability to defy their disabilities through active gardening. The organization promotes the recognized health benefits of gardening, which have been documented by reputable bodies such as the Royal Horticultural Society and health research institutions[2].

References

• Charity Commission for England and Wales: Charity number 255066.
• Gardening with Disabilities Trust official communications and guidance.
• Supporting Communities Funding News, September 2024.
• Bath and North East Somerset Council: Gardening with Disabilities Trust grant information.

[1] https://www.gardeningwithdisabilitiestrust.org.uk [2] https://www.gardeningwithdisabilitiestrust.org.uk/services/ [3] https://supportingcommunities.org/funding-news-1/2024/9/11/gardening-with-disabilities-trust [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/255066/full-print [5] https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/node/88050