The Green Cabin opened its doors this week to an eager crowd awaiting a first glimpse of the plants, home grown vegetables, jams and chutneys all made with produce from the Flourish garden here at Livability Holton Lee.

Pete Thompson of Marathons for the Mind officially opened the shop following his mammoth challenge this summer, running the entire route of the Tour de France. His amazing fundraising efforts raised over £23,000 which supports the ongoing work at Livability Holton Lee. On opening the Green Cabin, Pete says: “Today means a great deal to me, as it’s a physical symbol of the hard work from the challenge and the generosity of the people who supported and donated to the cause”.

Flourish, family members and supporters saw Pete cut the ribbon and officially opened the shop. He was presented with a handmade pyrography plaque from the Flourish participants who also served in the shop.

What is Flourish?

Livability’s Flourish project, is a horticultural therapy project which exists to promotes wellbeing, mental health and community has inspired Pete throughout his challenge. At Flourish, participants get involved in horticulture, conservation, maintenance and rural craft, in the tranquil setting of our gardens and unspoiled nature reserve.

What is the Green Cabin?

The shop aims to create natural, sustainable products that have been resourced locally and are of a high quality. Those working in the shop will include the participants of Flourish, the project welcomes disabled people, those living with mental health issues and people wanting to improve their wellbeing.

Pete talks about why the Green Cabin is an essential addition to the wellbeing site at Livability Holton Lee: “I would hope that the shop provides a closer link to the community and provides the Flourish community with the chance to learn new skills, take on new responsibilities as well as a focal point to show off all the hard work and creativity that goes on in the garden. I would encourage people to go and visit the shop and support the charity by taking advantage of the amazing produce that the garden and the Flourish project produce. Most importantly by visiting the shop, I hope people will get to see the link between what they are buying and the importance of the journey it took to get there.”

Profits raised from The Green Cabin will go towards work in the garden and wellbeing projects at Livability Holton Lee. It’s simple really, your retail therapy supports our ecotherapy.

Emma, Flourish Manager said: “It’s great to have a permanent selling point for all the items produced at Flourish. It’s so important for participants to see their work sold and to create a revenue stream to help to support the ecotherapy project”.

The shop also sells photographs from the site and rural crafts, including bug hotels, and hedgehog boxes. Look out for a line of Christmas stock including decorations and gifts coming soon.

How can you get involved?

The Green Cabin shop will be open to the public Mon, Tues, Weds and Fri 10.30am-3pm and Saturdays 10am-2pm, if you are local do come and visit us.

We are looking for volunteers to come and work in the shop at weekends if you’re interested contact volunteering@livability.org.uk.

Find out more

Read more about Pete’s challenge and how Flourish inspired him.

Watch a video of Pete’s challenge.

Find out more about our work at Flourish at Livability Holton Lee.

About the Author Andrew

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