Catching up with Guideposts

Image Credit: Neil Marshment
Guideposts is a UK-based charity working with people in local communities to help them access the support, opportunities and skills they need to overcome social challenges, improve their wellbeing and change their lives. Each year, with the help of our customers, our donations support people living with long-term conditions, disabilities and caring responsibilities in our local community.
We caught up with Guideposts to reflect on another very busy year at the Outdoor Learning and Wellbeing Hub, as well as hearing about all their exciting plans for this year, and to learn more about the brilliant work that is done with the money raised in our store.
"Sponsored by Burford Garden Company, the Hub offers a safe and inclusive environment where people with learning disabilities and autism can take part in a rolling programme of seasonal hands-on activities. These include growing a wide range of plants and produce from seed, cooking, baking, woodworking, willow weaving, seasonal arts and crafts, and bushcraft activities.
The activities provide service members with a sense of purpose, the opportunity to develop a range of skills applicable in everyday life, and regular contact with nature to support mental health and wellbeing. It also provides a great opportunity for positive social interactions and to build long-lasting friendships."


Image Credit: Neil Marshment
"Alongside regular activities this year, members took part in excursions including to a pumpkin farm, the Cotswolds Farm Park, and a trip on the “Asparagus Express” steam railway. For many of our members these are unique opportunities they would not be able to enjoy without our support.
In the summer, Hub members proudly welcomed members from Guideposts services across West Oxfordshire to take part in their very own Olympic Games, They had spent the preceding weeks making games and medals, and preparing for the big day, an exciting and memorable event for everyone."

"The number of people we support in the Hub has grown throughout 2024, and we now fill more than 50 places every week. We aim to support more people in 2025 with the introduction of an accredited gardening skills training course for those who choose to gain formal recognition of their learning and skills, and wish to enhance their employability.
We also have plans to develop our activities to include heritage skills development workshops, outdoor relaxation and mindfulness sessions, sensory gardening activities for older people with dementia as well as expand our support for children and young people with additional needs through facilitation of forest school, bushcraft, and adventure play therapy.
However, to achieve these goals, we need to address the impacts of recent extreme weather events on the Hub site. Our large polytunnel, which hosts many of our activities, has suffered significant damage and requires a complete refit, setting us back £25,000. Additionally, the site needs enhanced flood proofing and a more accessible parking area. Achieving these improvements will only be possible through generous community support which we hope we can count on."
To learn more about how you can support Guideposts with donations, raising funds, volunteering and more, please visit our Working with Guideposts page and the Guideposts Trust Website.

