I have made good, lasting friendships, and laughed a lot!

A beautiful story about one volunteer's growth from their first days volunteering, to now, where they offer therapeutic support, fundraising and gardening skills, through her blossoming volunteer journey. Hear Peta's story about volunteering with Growing People.

"When I was approaching retirement, I started looking for local opportunities to meet people, learn new skills and hopefully do something positive. I happened to go to a gardening related event in Letchworth and got chatting with a lady from Growing People. I read the leaflet she gave me, and this charity seemed to meet a couple of items on my wish list. I asked if they needed volunteers, and when I heard that they did I decided to get in touch when I had finished working.

This was in 2018, and I started volunteering in the summer. I was not confident of being any help, so to begin with I remained with the group who were doing general maintenance tasks while I learned about the site and the charity. I did general weeding, cutting back, planting, tidying and digging. Also I helped with raising and nurturing the herb plants that we sell to the public on site or at local events.

Later that year I was offered the chance of training for a Gardener support role, and I began volunteering during one of the Therapy sessions. Here the focus is on the Gardeners we work with. We support their therapeutic goals by helping them to develop their plots; sowing seeds with them and helping them grow their chosen flowers or vegetables to pick or harvest later in the season. We also get to know them and encourage communication and teamwork and sharing plants and harvests. It's great to see how these activities help the Gardeners to gain in confidence.

When asked what I get from my volunteering at Growing People I always feel a little selfish as it’s not about me, but in truth I get a vast amount of satisfaction from my time here. I am out in the fresh air come rain or shine, in a wonderfully wild and green space. I get the chance to meet and socialise with other volunteers, the Gardeners and the Horticultural Therapists. I have made good, lasting friendships, and laughed a lot!

Oh, and I do some gardening along the way too."

If Peta's story has inspired you and you would like to volunteer with Growing People, check out their volunteering opportunities on their GoVolHerts profile