Pathways is a supported volunteering scheme offering a stepping stone to independence for people with mild mental health problems who want to contribute to the community but need support to realise their aims.
The programme is currently run from 3 sites, Chelsea Physic Garden SW3, Eaton Square SW1 and New Covent Garden Market in Battersea.
Pathways is a person centred programme which aims to enable people to overcome personal barriers and to develop the skills to become community volunteers. Small groups of up to 6 people attend half day gardening sessions 1x per week for up to a year at the end of which Thrive works together with local volunteer bureaux to help people find enjoyable and fulfilling volunteer roles in the community.
Pathways gardening sessions are supported by a professional Thrive horticultural therapist who provides 1 on 1 support for people to understand their needs and aims and agree a plan which will get them working towards being a volunteer.
Pathways can help people in many different ways:-
- Improved skills
- Gardening skills
- Volunteering and work skills
- Social skills
- Personal Development
- Improved confidence and self esteem
- Motivation and commitment
- Identifying and managing personal issues
Social interaction - meeting people and forming friendships
Community Engagement - contributing to a sustainable community environment
Pathways has been running for 5 years, during which time approximately 80% of people who’ve been on the programme have moved on to become independent volunteers
For more information on our Pathways programme please email us or call us on 020 7720 2212