Be our next gardening volunteer!

Could you give some time regularly to make a real difference to the Whitworth House garden? The staff at the House are keen to encourage local volunteers to help transform and maintain our promising outdoor area — and we'd love your help.

Volunteers would work on the garden and help support the young women living at the House who are keen to get involved with growing things too. It's a chance to share skills, build connections, and create something beautiful together.

It's common knowledge how powerful green spaces are for us all. Just imagine what a joy an attractive outdoor space would be for these young women — a place to socialise; a place to breathe and be restored; a place to grow fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables through the year; a place to connect with nature and to get involved with local biodiversity.

Currently, the patio is a blank space, recently cleared by a helpful volunteer who has now left Cambridge. There is some basic garden furniture and our Friends' Trust has supplied some tools and start-up materials. But there is scope for so much more, and as always with a garden, the need to keep on top of things!

We would be delighted if you think this could be you. No professional experience is necessary — just enthusiasm, a willingness to get stuck in, and a love of the outdoors.

Do you know of local businesses who might be interested in sponsoring a year of gardening, or partnering with us in other ways? A gift of planters, hanging baskets or compost, perhaps? Corporate teams looking for a meaningful volunteering day would also be very welcome.

To express an interest, or ask for more information, please write to us at whitworthtrust@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Help make a garden that will have real impact on young vulnerable women of our city. Give the gift of a love of all things green!

Please note: all volunteers are interviewed by Orwell staff who run the hostel and undergo safeguarding checks. This is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all residents.