On this page:
— About the centre
— Our programmes
— How to attend
— Outreach projects
— Find us
— Get involved in Reading
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 living with life-changing illnesses such as cancer/stroke or injury
- we also support young people who have social, emotional, or behavioural difficulties.
The social and therapeutic programmes we run here 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.
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 use our form
Contact usOur 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
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 moreOur office is located in the village of Beech Hill, Reading.
Our address is: The Geoffrey Udall Centre, Trunkwell Park, Beech Hill, Reading, RG7 2AT. . If you are using Sat Nav or Google – it may take you to Grazeley Road – you need to be on Beech Hill Road. We share a driveway with Trunkwell House Hotel so you may want to select this on Google and turn right at the fork before reaching the hotel.
If you're visiting us as part of a group - please share these notes on how to get here.
Download a map of our location or read further directions to our centres.
Postal address:
Thrive Reading
The Geoffrey Udall Centre
Beech Hill
Reading
RG7 2AT
Tel: 0118 988 4844
Email: trunkwell@thrive.org.uk or use our form
You can find out more in this interactive leaflet.
Find out more about who we help
Meet the client gardeners