Reading

The garden is a brilliant place to improve your well-being. From physical exercise, and learning new skills, to improving how you feel, the garden has something to offer for everyone. Our gardeners are part of a vibrant community here at Reading.

The latest measures announced on 31st October come into effect on 5th November and will apply nationally for four weeks up to Wednesday 2nd December. As Thrive is a provider of support and therapeutic services we are a ‘specific exempt activity’ and we will therefore continue to operate as usual and our regional centres will remain open. We will, of course, continue to review the situation and provide updates.

Thrive Reading Leaflet

Find out more

Reading programmes

The Trunkwell garden at Beech Hill near Reading is situated within 3 acres of beautiful grounds and is part of Thrive’s National Office; The Geoffrey Udall Centre.

Our team of social and therapeutic horticulture trained therapists work with our dedicated volunteers supporting a wide range of people including;

those living with a physical or learning disability
people with mental health support needs
people who may have sensory loss or autism
people with age-related conditions such as dementia, heart problems, diabetes or stroke survivors.
we also support young people who have social, emotional or behavioural difficulties.

Our social and therapeutic programmes support people to overcome challenges and barriers they face providing hope, purpose and meaningful activities. They offer extensive opportunities for choice, ownership and responsibility which can help people gain or increase self-confidence, self-esteem and build resilience.

The gardens at Reading provide an accessible, supportive, safe and tranquil environment in which to work and there is a strong sense of positivity, pride and community here.

Current programmes

General sessions

Pots & petals

How to attend

People come to us by many different paths. Some are referred by Social Services or support workers, or via another health care professionals such as their GP.

We also welcome people who come independently or are referred by a family member, school or another charity. Whatever the referral route, we can discuss individual needs to ensure the programme options are appropriate.

Want to find out more?

If you are interested in attending, or want to refer someone who could benefit, please get in touch with the Reading team by phone on 0118 988 4844 or email trunkwell@thrive.org.uk

Outreach projects

Our community-based settings provide our gardeners with a range of extra options beyond the gardens in Reading itself e.g. conservation work.

This helps to further promote social inclusion through opportunities to connect with others, build independence and support people with a range of transferable skills enabling them to be valued and active citizens in their communities

Thrive at the Vyne

We are grateful for our partnership with the National Trust at The Vyne which provides our clients with the opportunity for greater social integration within the community.

Find out more

Purley Hall – Purley on Thames

Social and therapeutic horticulture programmes are designed and implemented specifically in accordance with the requirements of each location to accommodate the needs of the service users and the space that is available.

We are always interested in exploring opportunities to deliver outreach work and the first steps would be for a visit from our Garden & Client Manager to view the project and discuss the opportunity. Get in touch today!

Thriving with Carly

Carly, our ambassador and client gardener shares her blog 'Thriving with Carly' - talking about gardening, her work at Thrive and about the adventures at the Reading gardens.

Find out more