Life Changers Reading

Life Changers is a free of charge weekly programme for people living with a life changing illness, injury or long-term health condition or who have experienced a life-changing event, such as those recovering from a stroke, cancer, surgery or living with diabetes, multiple sclerosis, long covid or other health conditions.

Each session enables people to experience the joy and health benefits of gardening in a social atmosphere, where individuals can build confidence to regain or maintain a healthy and independent lifestyle.

Therapeutic gardening and time in nature helps to improve physical, mental and social health. Being in a positive environment, where people can be active and feel a sense of purpose and achievement. Gardens offer peace and tranquillity, providing a space to find comfort and support, which can contribute to rehabilitation and recovery.

Day: Tuesdays

Time: 10:30am-2:30pm

Location: Beech Hill near reading (RG7 2AT)

• Improve energy and reduce depression and anxiety
• Increase peer-to-peer support within the group
• Increase confidence and reduce social isolation
• Promote wellbeing and the health benefits of gardening
• Give people the skills and knowledge to continue gardening after the programme has finished
• Provide the participants with the skills and enthusiasm to continue gardening once they have finished their programme

Referrals can be from a doctor or other professional or individuals can refer themselves. At the end of the programme participants are signposted to further opportunities.

Small groups of up to eight people attend weekly day sessions at the garden in Thrive Reading.

A trained practitioner tailors gardening and nature-based activities to people’s needs and goals - such as increasing stamina, mobility and balance, improving fine motor skills, increasing memory and information retention or strengthening muscles.

We provide specially adapted tools and equipment and access to glasshouses and tabletop gardening aid accessibility. Activities include seed sowing, planting bulbs, pruning, weeding, and making hanging baskets. No gardening experience is needed.

• 80% of Life Changers programme participants leave happier or with improved mental wellbeing and physical health.