Gardeners

Bridewell Organic Gardens aims to promote the mental and emotional wellbeing of adults who are affected by a range of health problems, including mental health difficulties and physical disabilities. Self-esteem is fostered through being welcomed, accepted and respected, working alongside each other on an equal footing where everyone's participation in planning and production is both invited and valued. Self-confidence is developed through the day to day practice of existing social and work skills, sharing knowledge with each other and acquiring new skills in horticulture, wheelwrighting, willowwork, bee-keeping, blacksmithing, viniculture, etc.

Gardeners, which includes everyone coming to Bridewell, even if horticulture is not their main interest, must be eighteen years of age or older and suffering from a health problem. As we continue to develop we are gradually putting in place facilities that will enable us to offer some help to people with physical disabilities too.

We are open from 10.00am to 3.00pm every weekday. Tuesday is our Women Only Day and Thursday is reserved for special needs clients.

Minibus transport is available from Waitrose car park in the centre of Witney, leaving at 9.45am. The drop-off point for return is outside the Methodist Church in Witney High Street at approximately 3.15-3.30pm. Other Gardeners arrive by private transport or have been able to make arrangements using Volunteer Link-up.

Facilities include a small kitchen, where tea and coffee-making facilities are available for use during the day and a rest room. We do not have, and hardly miss, mains electricity.

At Bridewell we strive to create a peaceful environment, working in harmony with nature and each other whenever possible.

The overriding principle of Bridewell is that through working together, both physically and mentally, we will improve the quality of life for the people that come here.

While working at Bridewell gardeners are able to take home surplus fruit and vegetables that we grow.

If gardeners know that they are not coming on their usual day they are asked to let us know so that we can plan accordingly.

Tea and coffee are provided free of charge but gardeners are asked to bring any food that they require during the day.

Gardeners also need to bring suitable boots (e.g. wellingtons), waterproof clothing for wet days and need to make sure that their anti-tetanus jabs are up to date.

At Bridewell we have volunteer workers who are here to help and encourage people coming to the garden. Some will have specialist knowledge of the work going on (e.g. beekeeping) whilst others will help in a more general way.

At the end of each day the staff at Bridewell will met to discuss how the day has gone, to ensure that all gardeners have received appropriate support during the session and to plan for the next day.

The manager of Bridewell may liaise with key-workers or main carers if the need arises but other than that complete confidentiality is maintained.

Approximately once a month we have an informal 'Gardeners Meeting' which everyone is encouraged to attend if they wish. The meeting is to talk through plans for the garden and to try to make sure we all know what is going on.