AN EARLEY resident has been selected to front the BBC Lifeline appeal on behalf of the national gardening for health charity, Thrive.
Rebecca Haynes, 28, has Down Syndrome and joined Thrive after leaving school aged 17. She admits lacking confidence, being reluctant to make friends or try anything new.
Now described as lively, sociable and enthusiastic, Rebecca says the opportunity has changed her life.
Rebecca said: “I’ve learned a lot of life skills. I’m gaining a lot of confidence and I’m trying not to be lacking in myself and try my best in things.
“It’s changed me being here. It’s a place of peace and it’s relaxing. I like a challenge without hurting myself and I’m pretty good with my manual handling, and it’s all praise to Thrive for giving me encouragement.”
Thrive, which is based at The Geoffrey Udall Centre in Beech Hill, uses plants and gardens to enhance people’s mental and physical health using a process called Social and Therapeutic Horticulture.
STH practitioner Michele explained: “When a client arrives, we discuss what they would like to do and create a plan suited to their needs. Rebecca has blossomed here; she absolutely loves it.”
The charity was badly affected during the pandemic during which clients were unable to access the gardens at its centres in Reading, Birmingham and London, but has made a stellar comeback this year.
In 2023, more than 9,000 life-changing sessions were delivered by practitioners using STH, instilling a sense of purpose and hope for the future.
The UK’s first wheelchair-using garden designer and BBC gardening presenter, Mark Lane, is presenting the Lifeline appeal. He said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of Thrive and the hundreds of people who’ve benefited from their work. We hope your support will help hundreds more.”
During the appeal, people will also hear from Randall, a structural engineer who worked on the Channel Tunnel before losing both of his legs to sepsis and 19-year-old Evan, who attends a community school for young people with autism in Birmingham.
Thrive is encouraging people to tune into the appeal, which will be broadcast on BBC One at 1.50pm on July 30, and on BBC Two at 8.50am on August 1.
For more information, visit: www.thrive.org.uk
