The Railway Garden
I worked as a cleaner for over 10 years and realised that I was a companion to some of my clients. The ones I particularly enjoyed spending time with were elderly, disabled or lonely.
As a keen gardener, sitting in the garden with a cuppa or just pottering about was great for my mental health.
Having moved from Essex 2 years ago, I wanted a new challenge or job role that I would enjoy, So I used my own limited funds to start the Garden. I needed an affordable area where I could serve our clients with tea/coffee and food at a reasonable price. So, when the area became available, I jumped at the chance.
It is a piece of old railway land, mostly brick walls and paving in the heart of Gloucester, but it had loads of potential to create something different. This is how I created a Quirky Garden that would give local people a safe space to sit, create and grow plants. It is a place where people can express themselves in creating, upcycling, designing, planting seeds or pottering around.
We have around 15-20 volunteers a month, including neighbours and people from local care homes and also school leavers. It has been a great success, living up to everything I imagined.
My advice to anyone nervous about volunteering is to GO FOR IT! We make every effort to ensure that everybody feels welcome. There is no judgement in our garden. We are all equal and encourage everyone to be who they are.
My dream for the garden is to see it become a self-sufficient space for everyone to use.
Laura Mosley
