Thrive

20/06/2026

Happy Birthday to His Majesty The King 🎉

We were honoured to attend a Buckingham Palace Garden Party in May, recognising the impact of Thrive’s work supporting people across the UK.

Six members of our community were invited to represent us, celebrating the dedication of our staff, volunteers and ambassadors who help people improve their health and wellbeing through gardening.
They enjoyed a wonderful afternoon in the Palace gardens, with tea, cake and the chance to see The King and Queen and hear the national anthem.

We are proud to have been part of such a special occasion and to see our work recognised in this way.

19/06/2026

Join us in Manchester this July and discover how gardening can support mental health. 🌱

Our Using Social and Therapeutic Horticulture to Benefit People with Mental Health Support Needs course takes place on 21 and 22 July 2026 at Hulme Community Garden Centre.

You will build practical skills, deepen your understanding, and learn how to use gardening to support wellbeing in a meaningful, person centred way.

Whether you are just starting out or looking to develop your practice, this course will give you the confidence to make a difference.

Find out more and book your place: https://www.thrive.org.uk/get-training/courses-and-workshops/using-social-and-therapeutic-horticulture-to-benefit-people-with-mental-health-support-needs

18/06/2026

Keep your eyes peeled at Kings Heath Park tomorrow for another seed drop. 🌱

We will be hiding around 20 seed packets for you to find. Take one home to plant, or share it with someone else as part of our Birmingham appeal.

We would love to see what you grow. Take a photo, share it, and tag so we can enjoy your wildflowers together. 🌸

17/06/2026

🌿 Launch: Green Social Prescribing Practitioner Guidance

Are you involved in a project that supports people's health and wellbeing through nature? For example, do you help to run a community garden, a walking group or outdoor mental health sessions?

If so, find out what to put in place to accept safe and effective referrals for patients with different levels of mental health need.

We have created this new Green Social Prescribing Practitioner Guidance in partnership with the National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP) and the cross-Government Green Social Prescribing programme.

This new resource will help to ensure that people are connected to the right support at the right time. It includes practical guidance on referrals, risk management, legal responsibilities, and workforce development.

📅 Join The National Academy for Social Prescribing and Damien Newman, our Training, Education and Consultancy Manager on 29 June for a webinar introducing the guidance. We'll walk through key elements, explore how it can support your work, and answer your questions.

👉 To explore the guidance and to register for the webinar, visit: https://www.thrive.org.uk/how-we-help/what-we-do/news-and-updates/launch-of-the-green-social-prescribing-practitionar-guidance

16/06/2026

🌱 Curious about volunteering? Why not come along to a Volunteer Taster Morning at Thrive Reading!

Join us for a relaxed and friendly session where you can discover how volunteering supports people living with disabilities and health conditions through the power of gardening. You'll learn more about Thrive's work, meet current volunteers, explore the gardens, and find out about the different opportunities available. 🌻

Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn new skills, gain experience, or spend more time outdoors, this is a great way to see if volunteering with Thrive is right for you.

Come and see the difference you could make – we'd love to meet you!

Find out more and register your interest here: https://www.thrive.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer/reading

15/06/2026

🌿 Just 1 week to go! 🌿

If you're an unpaid carer, taking a few moments for yourself can make a real difference.

From 22 June to 5 July 2026, join Green Care for You – a free two-week programme from UK and Thrive, designed to help carers enjoy the benefits of gardening and nature in ways that fit around caring.

Sign up today: https://uk.emma-live.com/greencareforyou

There's just one week to go until Green Care for You!

Join us to start your journey to connect with nature and be more active outdoors. With simple activity prompts that take 2, 5, or 10-20 minutes, you can be involved in a way that fits your caring routine.

Sign up today: https://emma-live.pulse.ly/pje8uen1ss

14/06/2026

Looking for a relaxing afternoon surrounded by nature? Join us at Thrive Reading's Open Garden event and explore our beautiful three-acre garden in Beech Hill. 🌻

Whether you're a long-time supporter or a first-time visitor, our open days offer a unique opportunity to explore the gardens, meet the team, and discover how gardening can transform health and wellbeing through Social and Therapeutic Horticulture.

You'll also be able to browse our plant sale, enjoy tea, coffee and homemade cakes, and learn more about the positive impact your support makes.

📅 Sunday 5 July 2026
⏰ 2pm–4pm
📍 Thrive, Beech Hill, Reading
💚 Entry by donation

Bring your friends and family and enjoy an inspiring afternoon in the garden while supporting a great cause!

Find out more:

Whether you're a long-time supporter or a first-time visitor, our open days offer a unique opportunity to explore the gardens, meet the team, and learn more about the inspiring work we do throughout the year.

13/06/2026

We’re hiring in Reading!

We’re looking for a supportive and proactive Regional Centre Manager to lead our passionate team and help deliver an excellent service for our client gardeners.

This is a varied and rewarding role where no two days are the same. You’ll use your business development skills to build partnerships, grow our programmes, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the centre.

If you’re a people-focused manager with experience in social care or the charity sector, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more and apply: https://www.thrive.org.uk/get-involved/jobs

12/06/2026

Our Life Changers therapeutic gardening programme is free for people living with a life-changing illness, injury, or long-term health condition, or who have experienced a life-changing event and are looking for support.

Participants join small, friendly groups for weekly sessions over 16 weeks at our gardens in Reading. With guidance from trained practitioners, activities are tailored to individual needs using adapted tools and accessible spaces - so everyone can take part.

🌱 Build confidence
🌱 Improve physical and mental wellbeing
🌱 Connect with others in a supportive environment

In fact, 80% of participants leave feeling happier or with improved wellbeing and health.

If you or someone you know could benefit, find out more: https://www.thrive.org.uk/how-we-help/regional-centres-and-programmes/reading/life-changers-reading

12/06/2026

To celebrate Volunteers' Week, Thrive, Birmingham held a special Volunteer Thank You event last Thursday. Our amazing volunteers were treated to a beautiful lunch in the gardens, followed by speeches recognising their incredible contributions. The event also provided an opportunity for volunteers to enjoy the gardens, socialise with one another, and take part in a seed-sowing activity.

We had a wonderful time and would like to say a huge thank you to our brilliant volunteers. We simply could not do what we do without them. Their hard work, dedication, and ongoing commitment to Thrive is truly invaluable and greatly appreciated. 🌟💚