Here at Root and Branch, we believe in the power of the outdoors and nature in the process of healing, our garden is at the heart of what we do. We also believe that learning new skills as part of a supportive community enables recovery, and recognise that everyone has their own path to follow. We show compassion, are non-judgemental and inclusive, and are committed to creating a safe and secure place where people are respected, trusted and supported.
During the COVID-19 lock-down, although our service-users could not be on-site, we continued to support their healing by producing weekly garden diaries, sharing photos of developments and gardening guidance. Our community of service-users, volunteers and staff continue to support one another through friendship, collaboration and learning.
Our support is taking the form of a range of approaches:
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Regular contact with service-users, listening and offering reassurance
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Setting practical goals and reflecting on small steps of progress
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Liaising with GP services and Adult Mental Health teams and signposting to other services
During lockdown, we produced a weekly newsletter which we emailed or posted to each service user. We encouraged contributions, and in response, our service-users sent pictures of their creations, art, gardens, and pets, as well as supportive messages to each other.
We have harnessed new technology, like Zoom, to bring the Root and Branch community together.
The Root and Branch volunteers have continued their support in many ways. They have written poetry and messages for the newsletter as well as regular art projects for service-users.
During these times, our community is more important than ever. We continue our commitment to create a safe and secure place and help our service-users in their recoveries through respect, learning, compassion, and friendship.
We have set up a Just Giving campaign to raise essential funds needed to enable us to adapt and continue to provide support and meet our objectives. We would be very grateful for donations to help us during this time: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/covid-response
We re-opened Root and Branch on 27th July 2020 with a focus on garden activity only. This gives our service-users the opportunity, once again, to use our garden to aid their journeys to recovery.
We maintain a cautious approach on-site while continuing regular contact with our individual service-users and encouraging community and collaboration via Zoom.
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