Holding the needs of the garden and those who work here alongside each other, spinning plates and seeing the detail. Drive and depth of expertise in mental health and horticulture.
Calm, relaxed, ability to make the day look so easy. Including everyone, with compassion, creativity, and coffee.
Horticultural expertise, creativity and kindness, bringing groups together, baking skills and humour.
Calm, gentle, thoughtful and reflective. Expertise in social and therapeutic horticulture and considered reflective ability to craft supportive conversations.
Competent, experienced, seeing and celebrating the strengths each person brings. Brisk walking, garden produce gatherer, always ready with a warm smile.
Diligent, dedicated, expert, with a deep passion for the garden and natural environment, gentle, modest and welcoming.
Organises and manages all Bridewell's admin to keep everyone that comes to the gardens on track.
Enthusiasm and effusive positivity, film and literary knowledge and a dress sense to cheer up the greyest days.
Calm, gentle, composure, ability to organise and make sense of everything.
A career in the university sector with expertise in governance and organisational administration. Stephen has held a number of trustee roles at educational and charity organisations. With an interest in lifelong education and learning and a strong belief in the benefits of social and therapeutic horticulture.
Enjoys the peace and tranquility of Bridewell whilst being in awe of the work done by gardeners, employees and volunteers alike. A wealth of financial experience working as Financial Controller in a multi-national group.
Dedicated dog owner and novice pig keeper with a career in senior management in the publishing industry. Richard has served as Bridewell's Treasurer and now Trustee.
Heidi brings expertise in HR and has a great respect and admiration for Bridewell's work. Heidi loves spending time in nature, even better if there's a chance for open water swimming.
Dr Rob Chaplin is a retired Consultant in General Adult Psychiatry. He has worked as the Clinical Lead for Accreditation at the College Centre for Quality Improvement (CCQI) at the Royal College of Psychiatrists and previously as a Research Fellow at the CCQI.
Danie's background spans the Creative Industry, Local Government, Third Sector, Education, and Publishing. Danie openly talks about her lived experience of living with invisible disabilities, growing up in poverty, being a young carer, and later a parent/carer to family members with disabilities. Danie is passionate about inclusion and equity of access to education and work, so everyone can feel safe, valued, and find meaning for their lives.
With a background in engineering, over twenty five years in senior management and a board role in the Medical Devices industry, Andy brings a wealth of business, strategy, and governance acumen to the role.
There is nothing better than having your hands in the dirt. I'm a passionate gardener and enjoy sharing our garden with trainees and anyone who wants to visit.
Bridewell garden and all who tend it are a constant inspiration to me. It is true "Life begins the day you start a garden".
I love to tell people about Bridewell. This small patch of West Oxfordshire just keeps on giving. Inspiration, calm, healing, beauty, inclusion and friendship are there in abundance. I always find it a good place to be and find myself sharing its story at every opportunity.
Gardening is unique amongst the creative therapies through the power of nature’s growth and in the extent to which it brings together the emotional, physical, social, vocational and spiritual aspects of life. Bridewell is an inspiration and I’m thrilled to be a Patron.
Recovery looks different for everyone, but with time and space, structure and routine, community and compassion we can find hope in recovery.
Everyone, whatever their mental health, should be supported to live a full and valued life.
For nearly 30 years Bridewell has created a sanctuary for recovery within the walled garden.
Taking on the derelict walled garden in 1994, planting out a new vineyard in 2000, all areas of the gardens have been developed and maintained by people referred to Bridewell's recovery service. Read on for a more detailed history.
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