The theme for the 2019 York Cares’ Big Community Challenge is health and wellbeing through horticultural therapy. The big event is being held at Clarence Gardens in The Groves, just opposite York Hospital.

At the Big Community Challenge groups of employee-volunteers from businesses all over the city join forces over a 3 day period, the 4th, 5th and 6th June, to transform a community space.

The aim of this year’s challenge is to provide attractive and functional green spaces just outside The Hut, the well used community centre within the gardens.  A registered charity, The Hut provides a range of activities and support for people enduring mental health issues or have learning disabilities.

Horticultural therapy promotes health, well being and social inclusion by enabling people to experience the positive sensations of spending time in nature and by actually undertaking activities, such as planting and sowing seeds, outside in the open air.

As well as planting up flower beds, painting fencing, building storage for wheelchairs and wider garden clearing, the enthusiastic volunteer team will be creating a shaded seating area and an undercover area, providing a space for all to enjoy.

“Do it. Just do it… it’s a win-win situation for all – you get to do something as a company, people get to feel good about actually helping and putting back into the community”

Volunteer from last year

Not only will the service users of The Hut benefit but also people accessing the Hospital, bringing the space alive with comfortable seating for pleasant relaxation and quiet contemplation amongst nature.

Materials and resources will be sourced through local businesses and York City Council.

The end result will be a fantastic new outdoor space offering wellbeing for all and some satisfied employee-volunteers who have made a huge different to people in their local community.

Bring it on.

For further information contact  Megan Hale Volunteering Project Officer, York Cares Phone: 01904 322499 | Email: megan.hale@york.ac.uk