Horatio’s Garden is on the look out for new volunteers

Horatio’s Garden is on the lookout for new volunteers to join their friendly team in their Glasgow garden, based in The Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

The unit is responsible for the care of all adult patients in Scotland who have suffered spinal cord injury.

The charity creates and nurtures beautiful garden spaces in NHS spinal centres to support everyone affected by spinal injury. Currently they have three other gardens open in Salisbury, Stoke Mandeville and Oswestry, with a further two planned for London and Cardiff that are due to be complete by 2022.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Horatio’s Garden Glasgow was created by acclaimed garden designer and RHS judge, James Alexander-Sinclair. Since opening in 2016, Head Gardener Sallie Sillars has been supported by an enthusiastic volunteer team, who help her to maintain the garden, support patients and their loved ones and contribute to the seasonal events and activities organised by the charity.

Volunteering is a hugely varied and immensely rewarding role that welcomes anyone and everyone.

As volunteer Lillian said, “Working in Horatio’s Garden is worth its weight in gold, especially when you hear a patient saying they love garden and that they love to visit it. Sallie and the team are amazing and it’s great fun to be a part of it all.”

The role is a brilliant opportunity for anyone interested in horticulture, landscape design, mental health and wellbeing to find out more about gardens, gardening and all they have to offer. Alternatively, you could help by baking a cake or helping with an event. The charity is also keen to encourage over 16s to get involved in mentored volunteering, whether this be on a permanent basis or simply as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

By volunteering just a little of your time, you could make a huge difference to the lives of others. Weekends are a particularly wonderful time to be in the garden as many families gather here having travelled from across the country to visit their loved ones in hospital but your support would be welcome at any time. Whatever time you can spare, no matter how great or small will make such a difference to the lives of so many.

If you would like to volunteer, simply email [email protected] or call 01722 326834 to get involved.

The charity will be holding Volunteer Open Days in the garden on Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th October 2019.

Related topics: