Here's something I hope you can all support, and see the reasonings behind this great charity. I'm not sure if we have an official charity to raise funds for on a yearly basis, but if not I'd like to nominate this one - Gardening Leave

Gardening Leave projects will bring serving and ex-Servicemen and women together.  Many of them will have been living as civilians for some time when they first visit the garden.  The garden is intended to provide structure, routine and exercise – all embedded in military life and often sadly lacking in civilian life, which can lead to feelings of isolation and a sense of lack of control over one’s life.

Using the ethos of horticultural therapy, veterans with mental health troubles who attend Gardening Leave projects will benefit by improving their social skills by engaging in conversation; their motivational skills such as punctuality and their personal skills such as appearance, health and fitness.

I for one have benefited greatly from the work done by Gardening Leave.

If there is one near you they are always looking out for assistance with compost, seeds, planters, railway sleepers for raised beds which are used by disabled and wheelchair bound veterans, volunteers to help on a regular basis, and basically anything that can be of use in the garden!

Locations of current sites are

Auchincruive - Ayr

Erskine - Renfrewshire

Chelsea - London

Rosendael - Broughty Ferry, Dundee

Donations can also be made at www.justgiving.com/gardeningleave/donate