Categories

Gardening and horticulture, Health and wellbeing including therapies, Help in the home or garden, Hobbies and interests, Socialising, companionship and friendship, Support for carers,

Hi, I’m Suzanne and I love plants, growing and green spaces.

I have worked in social care all my life, including helping care for my mum who had a degenerative condition, to qualifying as a social worker. My experience at a young age helped me develop a strong understanding of what good care and support looked like, how individuals are experts in their own situation, the impact on families and how good care and support can really make a difference, as well as how daunting and disruptive finding the right service can be.

My passion for plants, growing and green spaces is also something that has been a major part of my life. Through good times and bad, spending time growing and enjoying gardens, the countryside and nature is a break from whatever else is going on in your life. There is always something to learn, sometimes some things don’t work and if you take time to notice you can watch things grow, change and bloom all year round. You don’t need a big space to grow or even an outside space, plants are happy to join you in your home. Growing is good for you. There is increasing evidence that growing, green spaces and plants are good for mental and physical health. Studies suggest that it can help reduce high blood pressure, reduce anxiety and stress, aid recovery after surgery, give purpose and meaning, aid mindful relaxation, encourage physical activity and build confidence. It is also a way to meet like minded people, get involved in the community and maybe even save some money and eat more healthily by growing your own.

Let’s Grow! is about more than growing plants. It is a companion service that will walk beside you to help you maintain your independence and quality of life. The aim is to enable you to live the life you choose, learn new skills, practice old one and share memories and talents to let you be yourself, grow and flourish. Like plants, people thrive in the right conditions and by getting to know you, listening to what is important to you and how you want things done, we can explore opportunities together so that you can bloom.

Even if plants aren’t your thing Let’s Grow! offers support to:

• Enjoy plants, green spaces and wildlife.
• Grow seeds and propagate.
• Create green spaces in your home.
• Support you to care for your plants.
• Care for your garden together.
• Follow your hobbies.
• Learn new skills.
• Try new things.
• Attend groups, community activities and projects.
• Access the community like going shopping, out for a walk, cinema, garden center, places of interest, afternoon tea or out to lunch.
• Access leisure activities.
• Access volunteering.
• Keep in touch with family and friends.
• Record your life story or reminiscing.
• Ensure your voice is heard.
• Keep you company when a care giver pops out.
• Understand mail and complete forms with you.
• Book and attend appointments with you.
• Access the internet and signpost to information.
• Build your confidence.
• Understand your health.

Let’s Grow! is not a gardening maintenance or plant sitting service. It is not a medical or personal care service. Let’s Grow is a wellbeing service supporting you to stay independent and help you to do the things you need to do. I also want to help you enjoy the benefits of growing plants, indoors or out and benefit from green spaces as a social and wellbeing experience.

Let’s Grow! is for adults who find it difficult to get out and about because of physical or mental health, disability, feeling socially isolated or anxious, learning disability and/or autism.

Please be assured that I will treat you with respect, care and understanding.  Your information will be treated with a high level of confidentiality and I will be open and honest with you about what I can offer. My aim is for us to build a trusting and positive relationship that you are the centre of. A service that is individual to you and where your unique skills and talents can bloom.

Feel free to get in touch and ask any questions, there is no hard sell and I understand how important getting the right support is.

Areas: Dover, Deal, Sandwich and surrounding villages

Last Updated: 21st March, 2024

Reviews of Let’s Grow! for wellbeing