Following Up with Guideposts

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."

"Guideposts’ Outdoor Learning and Wellbeing Hub continued to thrive throughout 2025, with gardeners enjoying an exceptionally busy and creative year. In the garden we sowed, watered, weeded and harvested through heatwaves and polytunnel challenges, creating beautiful wildflower beds and arranging sweet peas along the way, we worked on a wide range of woodwork projects, producing planters, bird boxes, new workbenches and even a wheelchair-accessible raised bed.

We cooked with produce we had grown ourselves, everything from firepit churros and Welsh cakes to hearty soups. We also enjoyed days out, including a much-loved visit to the British Motor Museum; unique experiences that many of our members would not be able to access without our support.

Throughout the year we marked key moments with themed crafts and celebrations, including St David’s Day, Chinese New Year and VE Day. And of course, there was plenty of fun with skittles, cards, quizzes and dancing.

The Hub operated at a near full capacity throughout 2025. Although our plans to welcome more people through the rollout of our accredited Gardening Skills Course were delayed while we awaited grant funding, we are delighted that funding has now been secured and the course will launch in 2026. Crucial maintenance and planning work also took place over the past year, including making our bridge easier for everyone to access.”

“As we move into 2026, we will progress with a full refit of the large polytunnel and a series of essential site improvements. We have been working closely with Rosemary Coldstream Garden Ltd. to enhance the site layout and buildings, improve accessibility and parking, and strengthen our flood-proofing measures.

These developments will enable us to expand our programme of activities and increase the support we offer to adults with learning disabilities, people experiencing mental health challenges, and older people living with dementia.”

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. With any donations received, these kind efforts will help to achieve:

• Purchasing adaptive gardening tools, equipment and protective clothing for gardeners.
• Purchasing tools and materials to help Guideposts continue developing their woodworking projects.
• Supporting nature-themed excursions that provide enriching experiences for their members.
• Purchasing materials to maintain sensory garden borders, raised garden beds and accessible planters.
• Replacing and/or maintaining height-adjustable seating for individuals with limited mobility.
• Ensuring their wheelchair-accessibly paths remain safe and well maintained across the site.