Last financial year we were awarded funding by The Alliance to pilot two 12-week therapeutic horticulture programmes at a GP Practice in East Lothian as a Self-Management Programme.

People have been referred by their GP for support in managing health conditions. Our team of practitioners have been attending weekly, offering gardening and nature connection activities as well as support mechanisms to reduce isolation, help participants make time for their own self-care, and introduce them to link workers and other gardening groups in the area. 

As the second block nears completion, the outcomes for programme participants are proving extremely positive. They tell us of the difference it has made - from taking on long-help ambitions of travel to having the confidence to sign up for other group activities, reducing their isolation.  

"I am now going out and doing things for myself I haven't done in years thanks to this course. I have always wanted to trek with alpacas and it is booked for Thursday".

"I have entered 2026 with so much positivity, hope and optimism for my future that was lacking when I joined the group."

We are keen to continue this programme, and expand its impact to include at least one other GP Practice. We have been successful in gaining some funding for this thanks to the Inch Cape Construction Fund but need additional funds to make this project feasible. Donate today and help change a life.

In the last year we have run many seasonal workshops for groups supporting people living with a cancer diagnosis together with family members.  From exploring herbs and the senses to creating beautiful spring wreaths, Joan has been joined by many people who have found that time connecting with nature and sharing mindful activities together is great tonic for the mind.  

Through a variety of funding pots, including individual donations, people living with cancer and their families have enjoyed time together, putting their worries aside, even for a little while.

"Lovely to use senses. Therapeutic and takes you out of your thinking head! Thank you :)"

"Finally managed to create something positive out of a normal agenda of negativity."

With 1 in 2 people affected by cancer in their lifetime, we would like to ensure that we can continue to support people to improve their wellbeing through gardening.  Whilst therapeutic gardening might not offer a cure, it can bring simple pleasures, reduce isolation and provide proven coping mechanisms for difficult times.

Our programme of support for people living with cancer and other long term conditions is only possible thanks to the generosity of funders and our regular donors. If you would like to alleviate someone's suffering today, please consider making a donation or join our Friends regular giving programme.

Thanks to funding from the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund we worked with 3 groups in Perth and Kinross running therapeutic gardening programmes for people struggling with their mental health.  One such group were the residents at Skinnersgate Lifehouse, a resettlement facility for homeless people run by The Salvation Army.  Thanks to additional funding from The Gannochy Trust, we were able to increase our support and run 12 sessions throughout the year. We were fortunate to obtain a short term allotment plot which the participants loved tending.  Seeing their hard work paying off with such a bountiful harvest was wonderful for the group's confidence and mood.  As with all participants across the groups we supported, the positive change in their wellbeing was significant after each session - improving mood, feeling good about helping others, connecting with nature and feeling more connected to others. We continue to work with Skinnersgate Lifehouse this year as they create and develop their own allotment space - we look forward to reporting on this project again later in the year.

"Makes me feel good . Gets me out working with the others learning new skills."

"I'm really in a better frame of mind after this session."

Over the years we have provided many workshops for organisations who support people and their families living with dementia.  This past year has been no exception, providing table-top gardening activity sessions with many people through Alzheimer Scotland. 

Learning about herbs, creating herbal bath bags, potting up bulbs and crafting seasonal wreaths have been on the agenda and are always a welcome distraction for participants. In addition, the sessions enable them to meet up with people experiencing similar difficulties,  having something lovely to show for their efforts and to enjoy themselves. 

"Love the visits from the girls, very relaxing and very informative. Everybody enjoys it. Thank you."

"Interesting to see the different herbs and learn what to do with them. Never thought of using them as garden plants."

The Edinburgh Practice is an award-winning, multi-disciplinary mental health practice based in the heart of Edinburgh. We are tickled pink to have been chosen as their Charity of the Year for 2026 and look forward to hearing all about their fundraising adventures.

Dr Fiona Wilson,Clinical Director and Founder of The Edinburgh Practice commented: “We are delighted to support Trellis this year at the practice. We are very passionate about the power of gardening and being outdoors to support and improve physical and mental health. Trellis supports so many people and deserving projects, and we feel privileged to help in any way we can. We look forward to learning more, promoting Trellis and having fun fundraising this year".

Find out more about The Edinburgh Practice here.  

At the end of last year we joined staff from Binn Group in Perth for a wonderful wreath-making workshop.  Not only did this support the wellbeing of the team but their donation helped to support our work too in the local area. 

Sarah, Head of HR at Binn Group commented: "We are delighted to have supported Trellis in such an enjoyable way and look forward to doing more in the future."