Helping People Grow
The Glasshouse is a social enterprise offering second chances in the glasshouses of UK prisons. We contacted the team to see if they’d be up for contributing to the blog, as we think their project spreads joy and cheer throughout the communities they work with. The Glasshouse wrote the following about their project, and they also asked some ex-offenders to write about what The Glasshouse means to them.
Our mission is to reduce reoffending through horticultural training and employment. Our team of ex-offenders grow and nurture beautiful, resilient houseplants, which are sold directly through our online shop, as well as our bespoke corporate gifting service and plantscaping for offices, hospitality and retail.
Our project is based at East Sutton Park prison for women in Kent. Here our team of ex-offenders care for, grow and propagate temperate house plants whilst training to reach a level 2 horticultural qualification. Upon release, we offer help with job placement and housing, as the primary causes of reoffending are lack of secure housing and employment. Our project is based around the proven physical and emotional benefits that being close to nature provides. Plants in the workspace are proven to increase productivity, concentration and creativity as well as clean toxins from the air and increase oxygen levels.
Our plants are good for everyone, from the women in the glasshouses to the people living and working around our live greenery. We hope you will be passionate about our botanics too. Together we can grow a brighter future for everyone.
Working in The Glasshouse has been an amazing and rewarding experience. I am learning about things that before this experience would not have crossed my mind. It's a tranquil and healing space that's allowed me to grow as a person - Alex
I am very grateful for my time working in The Glasshouse as it has given me a real sense of achievement and a new found respect and appreciation of all things green. The commitment and dedication it takes to nurture and grow the plants comes with great rewards and has been absolutely instrumental in helping me cope with and overcome challenges with my mental health whilst being in custody. - Micaela
I enjoy and value the program so much and wanted to let you know how at peace I am whilst working with nature. I personally find that the project has truly physically and emotionally benefitted me whereby I feel stronger and more relaxed whilst I am also able to give back and better the world. I love the fact that I'm always learning and discovering new things through the project. Some of the people I've met and the personal relationships I've built through the project itself are now friends for life. - Nettie
Find out more about The Glasshouse and how you can support the project here.