Help rebuild our Survivors Group Garden after Storm Bert

Firstly a massive thank you to everybody who has already donated, it's very much appreciated

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Hi, my name is Bishop Barry Rathbone & I run a support group for survivors of all types of abus3, living with chronic illnesses/disabilities or in addiction recovery, through social gardening and art.

'G3' ("Gardening Gives Grace") was established just after lockdown to give ad-hoc support and encouragement to people who, just like me, are living with the effects of the above.

The little greenhouse, potting up table, tools and, saddest of all, ALL the young plants (approximately 60) that group members had done so well in growing, PLUS their terracotta pots (decorated by the members, so they were all personal to each member) were broken, smashed or just taken away in the wind by the storm. Even most of our trowels, forks, aprons and gloves went as well.

Despite a neighbour and myself searching locally, we only found one trowel

I funded virtually everything from my benefits and simply cannot afford to replace them now, so have had to temporarily stop our meetings until I can afford to restock everything.

Apart from the greenhouse EVERYTHING was bought secondhand but I just do not have any money to replace everything.

It would be so sad if we had to shut down because we have achieved so much. The 90+ people who have attended since I started (+38 this year, some come to every meet up, some just pop in and out as they feel the need to) have refound their inner strength just from being in the group, which is open to anybody (ages 16-82 so far). It is breaking my heart to think it may have to close

I know times are hard but, if anybody reading this could help, donating even just £1 (less than a Mars bar) it will make a difference to so many people, both now and in the future.

Also, if you live in the BCP area, and think you would be interested, let me know & I will happily talk with you and, if you think you would enjoy getting your hands dirty over a cuppa, home made sausage rolls (meat free and vegan as well) and cake with others who understand, I'll happily add you to my list to contact IF we start up again, or maybe signpost you to other forms of help.

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Thank you in advance and God bless you for your donation

(Sorry for the photo quality, I'm not brilliant

️️️☔+Barry☂️

Last night Storm Bert devastated the safe space at my home and it may be the end of 'G3' . Please help if you can and thank you so much for anything you can do to help. If a donation is not possible, it could be just as helpful to share this fundraiser on your own social media, by copying and pasting this link:

https://gofund.me/3fcb7732