Seedbeds Advent Appeal 2020

If there was ever a time to take on a retreat centre, February 2020 was an interesting one to choose!

This time has been tough for everyone. We have been completely inspired by the strength and resilience we have seen in our community and the communities we are connected to nationwide, and we are simultaneously heartbroken for the losses we have all suffered. 

The new team at the Greenhouse at Barnes Close took over the retreat centre and the work of the charity in February this year, just before the pandemic took hold. Unfortunately, the pandemic has meant we haven't been able to generate income from space bookings, and this has coincided with the building needing significant investment to make it safe and usable.

What now?

Rather than focus on what we've lost, we are taking this as an opportunity to re-envision our work. 

We want to be a blessing to those who have struggled with the pandemic and the aftermath. We want to be able to offer the space at no cost to essential workers and community leaders who need space and guidance as we enter the winter season.

We want to deepen our roots in the local community. The pandemic has highlighted the urgent need for places where people can meet safely and enjoy the natural world in order to take care of our mental health, and we want to make sure that the land and building we have been called to steward is used for the full benefit of our local and scattered communities.

We want to invest in emerging leaders who will help us build back better. We can't go back to what was. We need to be investing in and supporting people with radical ideas about how to claim a new and better future for their communities and areas.

We need your help to do it.

We don't want to water-down our vision due to financial pressures. Would you be willing to join our community as a financial supporter, to ensure we can keep our doors and gates open to those who need it most? Any amount, either as a one off or as a regular giver, will help us out more than you can imagine.

Even though we can't gather together for now, by supporting us at this stage you are  becoming a precious part of our community. As soon as we are able, we will invite all those who have supported us in their various ways to a celebration festival, where you will be able to see first hand what your generosity has helped start.

We understand that not everyone is currently in the position to give financially, so if you are interested in volunteering, contact [email protected] to see what you could do!