National gardening icon Alan Titchmarsh has combined forces with seeds supplier Suttons in an appeal to help children get back to nature with at Go Beyond this summer.
Thousands of packets of tomato seeds are being sent to our supporters across the country by Suttons, together with a personal appeal from our patron Alan Titchmarsh to help children who have been deeply impacted by the pandemic experience a Go Beyond break and feel the joy of being in wide-open spaces later this year.
We are also offering a free packet of Suttons tomato seeds to anyone registering to support our efforts to get children back to nature in the coming months.
Alan explained: “I have always relished the delights of my garden, a place of comfort, distraction and joy; especially over the last 12 months.
“This opportunity to escape into nature is one of the reasons I have supported Go Beyond for the last 20 years.
“Children thriving in the great outdoors. Getting their hands mucky. Seeing something they have planted blossom.
“After months on end stuck indoors, a break gives them a chance to re-connect with nature, with other young people and with themselves.”
As you know, in 2020 we introduced a series of day breaks from our Coastal Centre and we’re hoping to re-instate residential breaks, in addition to day breaks, later in 2021.
Suttons Sales Manager, Tracey Lear, added: “Suttons is so pleased to be working with the fabulous charity Go Beyond, we hope our donation of Tomato Heinz 1350 seeds will help ensure those children most in need get to reconnect with their outdoor space.
“After the numerous lockdowns of the last 12 months this has never been more valuable, getting children back outside, enjoying the fresh air and connecting with nature.”
We have received many referrals from children and young people whose serious situations have worsened while at home during the pandemic, including many young carers who have been completely isolated at home in order to protect their vulnerable loved ones, and families who have been driven so deeply into poverty they can no longer afford to stay in their homes.
Now, together with Suttons and Alan Titchmarsh, we are on a mission to give these children and young people the chance to return to nature at our centres; taking part in eco-therapy activities, visiting the beach and picking their own lunches from our kitchen garden.
Alan added: “Eco-therapy activities help children to build self-confidence, learn new skills and work as a team. I know from watching my own grandchildren explore our garden how much they learn and discover, take risks and grow.”
Carl Wholey, Go Beyond’s Breaks and Events Coordinator, explained: “Every day we receive emails from professionals working with children who desperately need a break away from their circumstances; the chance to feel free of worries such as where their next meal will come from, where they’ll be living next week, or what will happen if COVID enters their fragile bubble.
“Together, we can give them the chance to thrive in the beautiful open spaces around Go Beyond’s centres, getting outdoors playing, learning and inspiring.”
Could you join Alan Titchmarsh, Suttons and Go Beyond, and help children get back to nature this summer? Register for your free packet of tomato seeds and make a lifetime of difference.
