The Garden House is a registered charity and community farm based in Marple, Stockport. The day to day running of the farm and cafe is all volunteer led, run by a team composed of a small number 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
The Garden House provides a safe outdoor space for families, groups and local organisations to enjoy spending time in nature and learn about animals. We believe every child should have the opportunity to access a safe space outdoors, regardless of their socio-economic situation or needs. Entry to our site is by a suggested donation of £5 per person. We work together with charities and groups that support children and young adults with complex needs. Our on site facilities ensure the farm is accessible and enjoyable for all. We also work to promote sustainability and raise awareness of mental health and animal welfare.
OUR VOLUNTEERS
As a volunteer led organisation, we regularly welcome members of the community and local businesses, who contribute their time, energy and skills in many areas including animal care, building, planting, maintenance and customer service. We provide volunteering opportunities for young adults including those with complex needs, helping to build confidence, self-esteem and skills for life. Some of our volunteers are able to complete work based qualifications alongside their work at The Garden House, with a wealth of opportunity to gain hands on experience. We provide access to training in first aid and food hygiene, and for volunteers to learn how to run a cafe, serve customers food and drink and handle cash.
FUNDING AND SUPPORT
The Garden House relies on donations from visitors, organisations and grants to stay open. We have a suggested entry donation of £5 for those visiting us. All donations go 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. Currentt projects include Habitats: ReImagined creating bug hotels and bird feeders from recycled household materials, and we will launch our new Community Growing Garden in April this year. We are thankful 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 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 also work with other volunteer organisations such as Good Gym Stockport who join us for a day helping with farm maintainence
