We are delighted to share some exciting news with our community: thanks to the generous support of Saint-Gobain, and the hard work of many dedicated hands, we have officially opened our new garden to service users.
This project has been a true labour of love. Deliveries, heavy lifting, a few sore backs, and more than a couple of squashed fingers were all part of the journey—but every bit of effort was worth it. On 12th July, we welcomed a team of incredible volunteers, including staff who gave up their weekend, as well as members of NA and AA—some of whom are former service users themselves. Their dedication and teamwork made the garden opening a reality.
Since then, we have partnered with Wellness in Mind to deliver weekly gardening groups every Thursday. These sessions offer our service users a chance to connect with nature, build new skills, and experience the therapeutic benefits of gardening.
Admittedly, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. Delays, unpredictable weather, and even a miscalculation on how much soil we needed meant we missed the planting season for some crops. However, with the expertise and guidance of our partners, we now have radishes, spinach, pak choi, and beans growing—ready to be harvested in the months ahead.
This garden is not just a space for growing food; it is an extension of our therapeutic offering, which now includes:
Psychosocial Program
Art Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Music Therapy
Dear Albert recovery support
Fellowship Groups (NA, AA, CA)
Together, these programmes provide a holistic approach to recovery, supporting both the body and mind.
From the very beginning, the vision for this project was to dedicate it to someone special: Mikey.
Mikey was our service manager’s “buddy” during his time in residential rehab. He knew his recovery programme inside and out, could quote NA literature verbatim, and was a constant source of encouragement and friendship. Sadly, Mikey passed away shortly after leaving rehab. His story is a powerful reminder that addiction can resurface when least expected, and that staying vigilant is vital. The garden stands as a tribute to Mikey’s memory, his lessons, and his spirit.
We are proud to name this project “Mikey’s Garden”—a place of growth, healing, and hope.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us on this journey. We can’t wait to see Mikey’s Garden flourish alongside the people it was created for.
