Tag Archive for: Perennial

Party for Perennial 2023

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Party for Perennial 2023: Perennial were thrilled to welcome many of our industry supporters to Party for Perennial in London last week.

The celebration at Core Bar, near St Paul’s Cathedral. Many guests made pledges to support Perennial further by taking part in the NUTS and Firewalk challenges later in the year, providing auction and raffle prizes for future events and booking a table at the 185th Anniversary dinner in 2024.

Party for Perennial 2023

Party for Perennial 2023

Anita Bates, Perennial’s Director of Marketing and Fundraising, says: “Our community can always be relied upon to pull together to make a difference to people in horticulture, Party for Perennial is a great example of this. Thank you to our generous pledgers for supporting this fabulous fundraising evening; your contribution will help us improve lives.”

The fun networking event for the horticulture trade raises both awareness and support for people in horticulture and their families who come to Perennial for help.

Trudy Martin from New Look Landscapes said: “It was our first time attending Party for Perennial so we were not too sure what to expect. It turned out to be a fantastic night and a great way to meet others in the industry. We left with a couple of amazing raffle prizes and some great contacts. Looking forward to the next one. Thank you Perennial.”

Stuart Ball from John Chambers Wildflower commented: “Great to meet industry colleagues and friends – new and old – at a super venue and all in a good cause. It was nice to catch up with everyone on a relaxed and fun evening! Cheers!!”

As the only charity that helps individuals working in and retired from all sectors of the horticulture industry, Perennial is a lifeline for people that have nowhere else to turn.

This year some of the incredible prizes in Perennial’s raffle included:

  • Garden on a Roll – Wildlife Border
  • Which? Magazine – One Year’s subscription
  • Bulldog Tools – Pedigree Border Fork and Rabbiting Spade
  • Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens – Tickets and Guidebook
  • The Newt – Two 12 month membership for
  • Tom Stuart–Smith – A signed copy of his book Drawn from the Land
  • The Laskett – Two pairs of tickets (including tea/cake)
  • Thatcher’s – A case of cider
  • Brewdog – Bottles of Lone Wolf Gin, Seven Day vodka and 500 Cuts Rum
  • Chris Baines – A copy of RHS Companion to Wildlife Gardening
  • Woodlodge Products – A pair of ecomade plant pots
  • Iford Manor – A garden entry for two

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Join Perennial in creating a culture of mental wellbeing

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Join Perennial in creating a culture of mental wellbeing: Since last year, over 55 individuals from 33 companies have successfully qualified as Mental Health First Aiders as part of Perennial’s pilot programme, offering an invaluable first point of contact for those in their workplace that may be struggling.

Trained to have an understanding of mental health and the factors that can affect wellbeing, as well as the practical skills to spot the signs and symptoms, these MHFAiders® are there to step in, reassure and support their colleagues.

Join Perennial in creating a culture of mental wellbeing

Join Perennial in creating a culture of mental wellbeing

However, according to Clare Downs, Head of Preventative Services there is still the opportunity for more employers to step forward and join Perennial in tackling the issues and widening the conversation around mental health.

“We are absolutely delighted that so many different horticultural employees, from grounds maintenance to managers to HR personnel, have become trained MHFAiders® and champions of the importance of health and wellbeing within the workplace and beyond. But we also know from our research and experience that mental health issues remain one of the biggest contributors to ill health within the industry.+ We welcome organisations to join us in continuing to raise awareness, support more staff to be trained and influence the wider horticulture community to help create a culture of positive mental wellbeing for all.”

As one recently trained MHFAider® says, “We are at work a lot of hours each week and probably spend more time with our colleagues than our family and friends. I want all my colleagues to feel they have a safe and open environment to speak to a person, who can listen and not judge – and hopefully help them understand and find the support they need.  Since doing the course, I think it should be mandatory along with physical first aiders within a business.”

If you are an employer with over 30 employees who proactively wants to increase their team’s mental health and wellbeing, please contact Helen Waddington to find out more about this pilot programme at hwaddington@perennial.org.uk.

Free limited places are now available for training courses being held during May, July, October and November 2023.

Perennial’s pilot programme is delivered in partnership with Mental Health First Aid England.

+ Perennial’s Health & Wellbeing Survey (2021) found that mental wellbeing was among the biggest perceived challenges for people working in horticulture.

  • 85% of people’s mental wellbeing was poor or below average
  • 26% of people listed depression, anxiety, and stress as critical issues
  • 22% said they did not recognise when they were unable to cope or how to deal with these circumstance

For the full findings visit perennial.org.uk/survey

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Tickets on sale for Party for Perennial 2023

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Tickets on sale for Party for Perennial 2023: Join friends and colleagues from across the horticulture industry on Thursday 4th May at Core Bar in the heart of the City, for an evening of fun and fundraising for Perennial.

It’s the perfect way to make new contacts as well as catch up with established ones in a fun and informal atmosphere. The ticket price of £30 includes a glass of bubbles on arrival and some delicious nibbles, plus the chance to win some amazing prizes in the Party for Perennial raffle.

Tickets on sale for Party for Perennial 2023

Tickets on sale for Party for Perennial 2023

All proceeds from ticket sales and the raffle help Perennial support people in horticulture. The Charity’s primary purpose is to build better futures for all those working with plants, trees, flowers and grass. Providing free confidential support, advice and information through their dedicated team based around the country.

Anita Bates, Perennial’s Director of Marketing and Fundraising comments: “Our annual party has become a not-to-be-missed date in the diary. It’s a fun evening spent with friends and colleagues and a great way to help us support more people in horticulture. Over the last couple of years we’ve launched a range of new tools to help everyone at any stage of life, including a Health and Wellbeing app and a Financial Management Tool.  People can also access free physiotherapy, legal advice and support to find employment. It’s only through growing our partnerships with businesses and organisations across the industry that we can reach more people so everyone in the industry can benefit from our free, confidential support, advice and information. Tickets are on sale now so visit our website to book your place; put the date in your diary and join us!”

Party for Perennial 2023

Venue: Core, Aldermary House, 10-15 Queen Street Bank, EC4N 1TX

Date: Thursday 4th May2023

Time: 7pm – 11:30pm

Ticket price: £30 (including a glass of fizz on arrival and light bites)

For more information and to book tickets visit:

www.perennial.org.uk/party

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Green-tech becomes Platinum Perennial Partner

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Green-tech becomes Platinum Perennial Partner: Green-tech has confirmed that it will continue its Platinum partnership and ongoing support to the charity for a third year running.

Perennial is the UK’s only charity dedicated to helping people who work in landscaping and horticulture, from gardeners, landscapers and designers to nursery workers, arborists and grounds staff.

Green-tech becomes Platinum Perennial Partner

Green-tech becomes Platinum Perennial Partner

Initially established as a pension fund for gardeners in 1839, 70% of the people the charity now helps are of working age, offering free and confidential advice, support and financial assistance.

Kris Nellist enters his second year in the role the Managing Director for Green-tech, a leading supplier to the landscape industry. He comments, “Perennial is a lifeline to many people working within the industry, both past and present. I am delighted to continue our support of the charity by renewing our Perennial Platinum Partnership and showing Green-tech’s appreciation for all those in the sector.”

Perennial launched their industry corporate partnership programme in 2020 to raise much needed funds. There are numerous packages available for corporate sponsorship.

Phil Swainston, Perennial’s Corporate Partnership Manager adds,

“Now, more than ever, is the time to be aware of the impact the current cost of living crisis and recession is going to have on many working in the horticultural industry. I am therefore delighted that Green-tech is continuing their support of Perennial into 2023 via our Corporate Partnership scheme and I am looking forward to working with all the team on many of the new initiatives we will be launching over the next 12 months. Green-Tech will be invaluable in spreading our message that Perennial is here to help all those working in horticulture that need our help”

If you would like to donate to Perennial or get involved in the Partnership Programme then visit their website https://perennial.org.uk/home/getinvolved/perennial-partners/  or call 0800 093 8510.

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Perennial launches Christmas appeal

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Perennial launches Christmas appeal: In the lead up to Christmas, Perennial, the charity helping people in horticulture, is launching an urgent appeal in response to the worst cost of living crisis seen in a generation. People in horticulture are on some of the lowest incomes in the UK and the impact of the crisis is being felt across the industry as we approach the festive period.  

The charity is calling for donations to support its services and prevent people in horticulture from struggling emotionally and financially this season and beyond.

Perennial launches Christmas appeal

Perennial launches Christmas appeal

The pressures of Christmas combined with the strain of increased energy bills, interest rates and food costs are cause for concern. Circumstances will worsen still when winter hits and freezing temperatures slow the pace of work, leaving people with less money.

In anticipation of higher calls to its helpline and demand for its services this winter, Peter Newman, Perennial’s Chief Executive says:

“After two years of pandemic and lockdowns, we emerged into 2022 only to encounter massive increases in energy costs along with hikes in interest rates and food costs. In the horticulture sector, where many are not well paid, people are under strain and we can see the evidence of this by the number of people contacting our helpline. We’re hearing from people on tight budgets, who are facing more than just a squeeze on their income. These are real people experiencing real difficulty. Worryingly, the worst is yet to come this winter when we must switch on our central heating, or not, as the case may be for some. Every year I am heartened by the generosity of our supporters. Please donate if you can.”

When a Hampshire-based landscaper called Perennial for help, its team at was able to talk through the situation and provide advice. He was struggling with significant business and personal debt and had suffered a mental health crisis. He says: “Perennial was there for me in my hour of need and may well have saved my life. It sounds dramatic, but their calm guidance at a time when my life was in turmoil massively helped me. I’m in a far better place now both financially and mentally. There’s a macho thing that you have to get on with it, but sometimes you just can’t, and you’ve got to share the load. I hope that my story will help others.”

This story echoes the lives of thousands of others who are also struggling.

You can help people in horticulture this season by making a donation online at justgiving.com/perennialchristmas2022

People in horticulture can call Perennial for support and advice on 0800 093 8543 or visit perennial.org.uk.

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