At Newquay Orchard, we believe in the transformative power of community, nature and learning. Our commitment to supporting people on a journey to health, wellbeing and sustainable practices is what drives us.
Having recently moved to Newquay with her partner, Heather stumbled upon Newquay Orchard. She reached out to volunteer hoping that fresh air, nature and a chance to learn something new would help her with some of her mental health challenges.
As a volunteer, Heather got stuck into a variety of activities and enjoyed contributing to her new community: pulling weeds, sowing seeds, harvesting veg, building things and even crafting a heat bench for seedlings. It’s safe to say that every week brought something new and exciting, offering new skills in horticulture but also connections with fellow volunteers in a supportive and welcoming atmosphere.
“The team at Newquay Orchard are so knowledgeable in horticulture that you learn so much from them everyday – no matter what you need or what question you have, there’s always someone that can help. And the whole team, along with the Learning and Wellbeing Mentors, mean that you feel so supported there, no matter what might be going on; they’re there to listen and understand in every way that they can.”
“I have made lots of friends and many connections – everyone is so lovely, friendly and welcoming and I always look forward to my volunteering sessions and seeing all the other volunteers!”.
Heather was offered an opportunity of gaining strimmer training through an employability scheme, supported by funding aimed at empowering unemployed individuals. And with the support and encouragement behind her, she had the confidence to go for it.
Heather is now an apprentice groundskeeper, using her skills to strim and help maintain the Cornwall and Devon Woodland Trust sites, and she’s loving it! She loves working in beautiful natural settings and gains huge satisfaction from contributing to community spaces and environmental stewardship with her newfound skills.
Reflecting on her journey, Heather encourages others “to step outside their comfort zones, [as] every experience contributes to personal growth”. According to Heather, Newquay Orchard is special because “it’s a friendly welcoming space where everyone feels equal and supported. They focus on individual strengths, instead of dwelling on what you can’t do”
“Trying new things builds confidence and, who knows, it might open doors to exciting opportunities”.
“I’d just like to give my massive appreciation to everyone – to the whole team for running such an amazing place and to all the volunteers, as well that make it such a fun and enjoyable place to be!”
Inspired? Come and Learn New Skills at Newquay Orchard
If you are inspired by Heather’s story, or know someone who may be eligible to join one of our educational courses, get in touch to find out more about our Young People and Adult programmes.
It’s a chance to learn and grow in a supported inclusive environment, in a community dedicated to environmental stewardship and personal growth.
OPEN DAYS
- Young People: (Aged 15 – 24 years): 3rd April, 10th April & 29th May 10am – 1pm
- Adult Education 27th March 10am – 12pm & 3rd April 2pm – 4pm
Drop us an email to book your chat! Email: info@nqyorchard.pixolomew.design