Get referred

If you feel that participating in the therapeutic activities at TWIGS could be beneficial to your mental health (or the mental health of someone you know), then please read through our referral criteria below, and complete our referral form. 

Many people who become involved with TWIGS are referred to us by a health professional such as their GP or mental health practitioner. We also welcome self-referrals but ask that you obtain a letter of support from your GP or other health professional supporting your request.

TWIGS garden service user

Eligibility criteria

Please read through the sections below to help you decide whether a referral will be beneficial and appropriate for you.

A recognised mental health support need

Referrals will have a recognised mental health support need. This may involve contact with the established mental health services.

No influence of illegal drugs or alcohol

Referrals should be receiving support to disengage from drug or alcohol addictions if this is a part of their mental health issue. Individuals cannot attend sessions at TWIGS whilst under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol.

Must be over 18

All referrals are aged 18 or over. There is no upper limit to the referral age, though individuals need to demonstrate the desire to eventually “move on” to other opportunities (this may include paid or voluntary work).

Capable of actively seeking onward opportunities

It is hoped that following a period of time at TWIGS, referrals will be capable of actively seeking employment/voluntary work or training.

Can sustain work independently

Referrals should be able to sustain work independently following a period of induction and training.

Available for 6-12 months

Places are offered for periods of up to one year with six monthly reviews. However, in a few circumstances a place can be extended beyond one year if there are undisputed benefits to be gained from the placement.

Risk assessment

Part of our assessment process is to assess risk. Due to our staffing levels it is unlikely we will offer places to individuals who present a significantly high risk to their own or others safety.

Attendance

Individuals will be expected to arrive at the project on time or let us know if they cannot attend. Attendance criteria is at least 50% of sessions.

Recovery review sessions

Individuals will work collaboratively with staff on their Recovery Plan goals and agree to attend six monthly Recovery review sessions.

Get referred to TWIGS

If you feel you meet the criteria and you'd like to participate at TWIGS, please complete our online referral form. Alternatively, you can download it and send the completed form to us via email, or you can drop it to us at The Olive Tree Cafe or TWIGS.

Online referral form Download form
TWIGS garden service user
TWIGS garden volunteer

Are you looking to volunteer instead?

Our wonderful group of volunteers help deliver the services at TWIGS and contribute in all manner of different ways. If you think you would like to help us in some way, please take a look at our volunteering page.

Chris
TWIGS service user

“I’ve started to gain confidence and feel better. Attending TWIGS has been a major part of this, to the point that I felt ready to start a small part-time job, and to my astonishmentI got the job on my first try! I dearly love coming to TWIGS and it has been such a wonderful help to me.”

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Get referred

If you feel you meet the criteria and you'd like to participate at TWIGS, please complete our online referral form. Alternatively, you can download it and send the completed form to us via email, or you can drop it to us at The Olive Tree Cafe or TWIGS.

TWIGS Community Gardens,
Manor Garden Centre,
Swindon,
SN2 2QJ

Get directions

Have a question about referrals?

Send us your enquiry and we'll respond as soon as possible.

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