Second Step gardening group on a mission to turn office green space into refuge for clients and staff 

One month on from our office move to Pennywell Road, we’re settling in well and are busy creating  a warm, welcoming environment for our clients, staff, volunteers, and visitors.  

Some of our green-fingered colleagues have formed a gardening group called the Pennywell Road Gardening Community. Their mission: to transform our outdoor green space from a jungle of brambles to a peaceful wildlife-friendly haven for all our clients, staff and neighbours to enjoy.  

The group met for the first time on 9 May to start weeding and clearing the overgrowth. Once our gardeners have reclaimed the space, the aim is to plant low-maintenance, hardy plants that can be enjoyed all year round. It’s also important to the group to make sure the space is environmentally friendly, so all gardening methods will be peat-free and organic. 

Here’s our Chief Executive Aileen Edwards and Elias Ramirez, Team Manager for our Specialist Community Forensic Team, making space for a new rose bush among the brambles:

As the group’s first meet-up also coincided with the start of the Mental Health Awareness Week (13-19 May), we asked Siobhan Conway, Business Manager to the Chief Executive and coordinator of the group, to share her thoughts about this year’s theme of movement: 

“Movement, especially gardening, really improves my wellbeing. Our new work-based gardening project is a great way to combine connecting with people and getting close to nature with doing some exercise – whatever your ability – while creating a beautiful space for us all to enjoy”. 

Keep up to date with our latest news on our News Hub and social media: Instagram, X (Twitter) @wearesecondstep and LinkedIn. 

Other office updates 

As well as the fantastic work the Pennywell Road Gardening Community have been doing outside, we’ve also been hard at work inside. When you visit the office, you’ll now be greeted in Reception with our hope and courage rainbow wall mural: 

We’ve also decorated with our signature colours such as teal and dark blue throughout the office to create a calming, contemplative atmosphere: 

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