The Garden Project

Sacro’s Garden Project offers adults a horticultural pathway to social inclusion and employment.

The project works with participants to learn new skills and appreciate the garden environment and all it has to offer. You will learn about garden management, grow plants and vegetables, undertake craft activities, cook with produce from the garden, and learn about the environment and wildlife around you.

This is all done under helpful and friendly supervision. Participants are supported and mentored by Sacro staff throughout and engagement in the project may lead to work experience, apprenticeships and job opportunities.

Sessions currently take place in Tollcross or Bellahouston parks on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The sessions are open to all genders, and we will shortly be offering a women-only session on a Monday.

Although the Garden Project was set up to be a supportive and progressive activity for people, vulnerable to crime, whether harmed by it, or responsible for it, it also welcomes people who feel they would benefit from the structure and social involvement it offers. Being outdoors in the garden environment is particularly beneficial to your mental health and the project workers will support this aspect within a social and friendly atmosphere.

If you wish to take things further, the project provides access to the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society’s (RCHS) ‘Grow and Learn Award’ which is an entry-level, all-ability practical skills learning journey through the basics of plant knowledge and garden maintenance. After completing their portfolio, attendees can continue to use their gardening skills for themselves and/or may want to consider jobs in the horticulture industry.

The Garden Project is delivered in partnership with Glasgow City Council Land Environment Services and funded by the Glasgow Communities Fund. We are also grateful to the GCVS Glasgow Wellbeing Fund for its support.

Referrals are taken from social work departments, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, NHS and community mental health services and other community groups.

You may also self-refer by calling 0141 248 1763. Participation in the Garden Project may also contribute to ‘other activity’ hours as part of a Community Payback Order. Ask your social worker.