Every Thursday morning the volunteer group meets for 3 hours per week to carry out various gardening projects around Cirencester Hospital.
The group averages 10-15 volunteers per week, plus 2 supervisors.
The group is mixed-ability, with the more able members of the group helping the less able. Several members of the group have learning disabilities, and the work provides them with valuable social contact as well as physical activity and the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the community.
There are also several volunteers with long-term health conditions and regular long-term unemployed volunteers.
At least two volunteers have gone on to paid employment in horticultural jobs as a direct result of their volunteering experience.
As well as the health and social benefits to the volunteer group, the volunteer group provides a gardening service to Cirencester Hospital far above the level of a standard grounds contract, and the hospital courtyards in particular are immaculately kept and a popular haven for patients and visitors.
The Grounds are surrounded by woodland which compliments the beautiful courtyards and gardens.
The volunteer group has also supported apple days with local schoolchildren within the orchard and most recently provided a small arena area for a garden party to celebrate 70 years of the NHS.
Patients and visitors are able to enjoy the tranquillity of the grounds and frequently comment on how beautiful and restful they feel whilst in the grounds.
Staff are also able to take a well-earned break in the lovely surroundings all of which is possible with the support of the Cotswold Garden Hospital volunteers.