Garden Explorers

Our new holiday club offers gardening and nature-based activities using Social and Therapeutic Horticulture (STH). Attendees will engage in nature, undertake fun garden activities, socialise with each other, and gain new skills in a small group (max 8 participants).

Our sessions will be:

• encouraging children and young people to get outside
• helping them to learn new skills such as seed sowing and propagation, using adaptive tools if necessary
• providing physical exercise tailored to each person’s needs
• interacting with the wildlife found in our gardens
• enjoying some nature-based craft activities
• improving independence and self-esteem
• having fun!

STH uses plants and gardens to improve physical and mental health, as well as communication and thinking skills. It is a person-centred approach meaning we adapt activities for individual needs, while working in small groups.

We have used STH to help people with a range of health conditions and disabilities for over 45 years. Here at the Birmingham Centre, we have supported many SEND children and young people through our Grow & Learn programme, working with local SEND schools for over 10 years.

Summer Holiday Dates

Dates:

• 23rd, 28th, and 30th July 2026
• 4th, 6th, 11th, 20th and 25th August 2026
  

Time: 10.30am - 2.30pm

Location: Thrive, Kings Heath Park, B14 7TQ

Price: Thanks to Fit for All funding we are able to offer sessions free of charge to eligible children and young people. A healthy packed lunch will also be provided. Garden Explorers is part of the Fit for All programme which is funded via the Bring in On Brum initiative.

Eligibility: Children and young people must be 11-18 years old, with SEND or in receipt of free school meals. They must live in Birmingham.

Please note that those who require personal care will need to attend with a support worker, and for individuals with complex needs, a pre-assessment will be carried out to determine whether they can access the club independently or whether a carer or support worker will be required.

Are your gardens fully accessible?

The majority of our gardens are wheelchair accessible. Our experience is that people with sensory sensitivities enjoy the space, however, there can be unexpected noises from the train line and/or park users.

Can we come for a familiarisation visit?

Yes! We understand starting something new can be daunting and so we can offer a short familiarisation visit. Please contact us to arrange this. We have other resources such as videos and maps of the garden which might also help.

Can I speak to someone about whether this might be suitable for a particular child/young person?

Yes, please call 0121 293 4531 or email birmingham@thrive.org.uk. We are open Mon-Thurs 8.30am-4pm.

Can parents/carers attend?

These sessions are designed to help build confidence and independence and so although we know that sometimes parents/carers may need to come along at the start, we would expect them to leave again once the session was underway.

Can you provide personal care?

No, we cannot provide personal care and your child would need to attend with a parent/carer if required.

Can you administer medication?

No, unfortunately staff are not trained to do so.

Can my child’s friend/sibling attend with them?

Spaces will be prioritised for those who are eligible for free spaces. Please speak to us about available spaces for those not eligible.

Where are the gardens?

Gardens: What 3 words location ///hurray.exile.twice

From Avenue Road – follow the path adjacent to the play area, and at the fork turn right. Pass the basketball court and follow the right-hand path to the bottom of the hill and gates.

From Vicarage Road car park– with the white house on your left turn right by the garden centre and noticeboard. Then turn left at the fork, pass the basketball court and follow the right-hand path to the bottom of the hill and gates.