The Garden House is a registered charity and community farm set in 23 acres of countryside along the banks of the River Goyt in Marple, Stockport.
The charity is volunteer led, run by a small team of trustees and committee members who work together with volunteers from the community.
The Garden House began as a community project in 2015.
With growing support from our local community, our work with organisations and charities was recognised and we achieved charitable status in January 2019.
WHAT WE DO AND WHY
In 23 acres of countryside and woodland on the banks of the River Goyt just a stone’s throw from Marple centre, The Garden House is an urban farm and community garden on the historic site of Oldknow’s workers’ produce garden.
We are a safe space for disadvantaged individuals, families, and groups to connect with nature, farming, animal welfare and local heritage.
Volunteer run, we offer placements for young people age 14+ with challenges including mental health/ disability/ risk of criminal exploitation/ risk of making choices that limit potential/ social disadvantage. Placements include animal therapy; horticulture; maintenance; cafe work. Our objective is to build confidence, trust and self-worth, and life skills.
We enable young people to re-engage with education and prepare for employment and beyond.
Our placements are transformative. They provide an opportunity for young people to rebuild confidence and self-worth in a non-judgemental environment. Young people are encouraged to try new things, take on responsibilities and feel a sense of purpose and achievement in a world where so often they have heard ‘no’ or ‘you can’t do that’.
Our young people benefit from connecting with nature, meeting new people, making new friendships, and gaining life skills to prepare for education and employment in a new world where they understand the sky is the limit. The ripple effect on their families and loved ones creates a fresh opportunity to enjoy their lives ahead.
FUNDING AND SUPPORT
The Garden House relies on entry fees, placement payments and grant funding.
Entry fees are £3 per adult or child for those visiting us.
All our income goes directly back into the day to day running of our community farm, including housing, feeding and looking after our animals, as well as maintenance of the site.
Thanks to grant funding, we have been able to carry out a number of projects to benefit our visitors and community, including the National Lottery funded Sensory Garden.
Current projects include our Young People’s Community Garden and we are soon launhcign a Happy Habitats river habitat programme with support from The National Trust.
We are grateful for the support from our funders including The Greater Manchester High Sheriff’s Trust, Stockport Hydro, The Woodland Trust, Magic Little Grants, MacNair Trust, B&Q Foundation, Vernon Building Society, National Lottery Community Fund, Sport England, KAO Data and more.
WORKING TOGETHER
The Garden House works with a number of organisations around Greater Manchester and Stockport. In particular those who cater to children and young adults with complex needs, such as the Seashell Trust, the Together Trust, Melland High School, Penarth Group School and Pure Innovations, to name but a few.
We regularly welcome teams and organisations for corporate volunteering days.
