Perennial: Supporting people in horticulture across the UK
If you're passionate about gardening, you know the joy and tranquillity it brings. Yet, the physical demands and unforeseen challenges of working in horticulture can be significant. That’s where Perennial, a charity dedicated to helping people working in horticulture in the UK, steps in.
What is Perennial?
Perennial, originally known as the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Society, has been a beacon of support for those in horticulture since its foundation in 1839. Its mission is simple yet profound: to provide free and confidential information, support and advice to those working in or retired from horticulture and their families.
How Perennial Helps
Perennial offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of gardeners, landscapers, and other horticulturalists. Life can be challenging and overwhelming at times, and when it is, horticulturists and their families can turn to Perennial. One-on-one support is available, along with online resources, tools, and apps to help with health and wellbeing, employment, housing, money and debt management, and family and legal affairs.
During the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, Perennial’s services have never been so important. In an average year, people accessing support might jump by around eight percent; but last year, casework leapt by 42%. The charity’s 2023 Impact Report and recent figures show the pressing need for its services across the industry. Over 31,000 preventative services and activities were delivered last year, with 2,221 people and their families receiving direct personal support to improve their lives.
A success story: Simon’s journey
Simon was in his 50s when he made a brave decision to return to his first love of gardening. He left his job as a teacher, worked his way up to lead gardener, sold his house and relocated to take up a traineeship at a heritage garden.
Simon wanted to find employment in this area, but to do so he needed machinery skills on his CV. He wouldn’t get hired without them and was struggling to raise the £1,000 course money.
Perennial helped Simon access the training he needed and liaised with his training provider to negotiate his course structure and additional personal protective equipment (PPE) fee.
“After my traineeship finished, I set up as a self-employed gardener in my hometown where I lived with a friend. I really wanted to be employed but I couldn’t get past the interview stage without my machinery certificates, and I couldn’t afford to get them. Work was quiet so I was barely earning and only just getting by on Jobseeker’s Allowance. I was starting to think my new career choice was a bad idea. It was at that point that I gave Perennial a call and things turned around for me. I was so thankful when they provided financial help and a caseworker; between us, we worked it all out and here I am now employed as a groundsman for a fabulous landscape. The training and support that I received from Perennial changed my life and helped my career to fall into place. Thanks to their help, I’m exactly where I want to be,” said Simon.
Want further support?
If you’re a HTA member and feel like you may need some advice, information or support please use the contact form on the Perennial website or call the helpline free on 0800 093 8543.