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2020-12-31-accounts

Lindengate Charity 2020 Annual Report LINDENGATE •4 Lindengate The Old Allotment Site, Next to Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road. Wendover. HP22 6BD ReRistered Charity No. 1153868

2020 Annual Report Llnden8ate Charlty June 2021 LINDENGATE 1. Chainnan's Introductlon 2020 has been a year of challenge, growth and resetting for Lindengat8. Covrd-19 has had a significant impact and w8 are extremely gTrleful to our many stakeholders for their understanding and support. our funders for their swift respons8 and emergency funding, and our many volunteers for their continued commitment. All have made a huge differencè lo our ability to survive and grow through such challènging times. The pandemic has seen Llndengate respond lo sfvgnlllcant local need and alamiing incr8as8s in poor mental health by expanding ils programme of support by an incredible 40%. While many servicgs W8r8 closing their doors due to social distancing restrictions, Lindengate, building on all Its èxperience, put in pla￿ rigorous risk assessmonts arKI adapted its seNices to stay open in some capacity throughout all but the initial lockdown (April-June}. Lindengate's staff have W0￿ed tirelessly throughout the year to ensure that LindeNJats has been in the best place to survive and thrive and staff numb8rs have Increased comm8nsurate with grovth. Whilst many of our volunteers fouThY It difficult to visit the site, we put in place a number of measures to ensure that th8y remained connected and those that were able to continue supportlng our work were joined by a hug8 influx of additional n8w volunteers recruited vla the Community Impael Bucks matching seNl¢e. The overall team effort has been enomous and is indicativ8 ol the Lindengatè ethos. 2020 has also been a challenging time for Lindengate's Trustees. Tho constant need to adjust operational and financial strategy to comply with government guidelines has required a great deal more input. All have given happily in order to positively move the charity iorward vthilst protecting its long term sustainabllty. All in all, it's been an astounding year and everyone involved deserves to be proud of vthat has b88n achi Paul fvliles Chair of Trustees UndEn88Ee.The Old￿l¢¢￿ent Site at DOb￿e$G3rdeThCenl￿AyleSbury Road, wfjndty￿. HP2Z 68D. Re81stQr*d¢ha￿tynv'. 1153868 Pago 2

2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

1.1. Internal matters

Due to the national lockdown, Lindengate was forced to close its doors to Gardeners in March 2020. Up until lockdown, we were exceeding our targets, proud of our Gardeners’ gains and delighted by the benefits Volunteers gleaned from being part of our community. Our weekly Gardener numbers had grown to 105; and we had 120 active regular volunteers. As a result of lockdown we lost significant fee income. We also had to cancel numerous events and lost income from community groups, training, site hire and sales of plants and produce, estimated at £125,000 The majority of Lindengate's staff were furloughed in March, which allowed the charity to survive, with a small skeleton staff. Staff were ‘unfurloughed’ as lockdown rules allowed. A successful emergency fundraising campaign and a fantastic response from existing donors including the NLCF, Heart of Bucks Community Foundation and the Rothschild Foundation have helped Lindengate to balance its books throughout 2020. However, we are aware of the ongoing challenges ahead as we rebuild our programmes in the face of uncertainty relating to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Our staff numbers have grown to 23 (FTE 13.25) and we now have 150 active regular volunteers. We helped more than 10x our anticipated number of beneficiaries During 2020, with over 1500 people benefiting from the calm nurturing environment of Lindengate’s therapeutic gardens and / or our specialist wellbeing sessions. We have helped new audiences through targeted short programmes, including young people struggling with disrupted education and non-existent job prospects, and those on the frontline of caring for the sickest patients with Covid-19 in local intensive care units.

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD.

Registered charity no: 1153868

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2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

Homemade chutney and other produce from the Lindengate gardens

By opening our site to the general public on a regular basis, for the first time, to provide a safe, supported environment for rest and reflection, Lindengate is truly becoming a community gem that is loved and appreciated, and in turn is able to nurture those who are in need of support to improve their wellbeing.

1.1. External networks

We have networked relentlessly during the year to position Lindengate at the very heart of our community and, as a result, have become recognised as the lead for Tier 2 Mental Health service provider in the area, gaining the respect and support of local health services, funders and others within the voluntary and community sector (VCS).

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD.

Registered charity no: 1153868

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2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

The pond at Lindengate

The following quotes indicate the high esteem in which Lindengate is held:

‘Thank you very much for your time and the opportunity to visit the beautiful Lindengate gardens last week. You have created something very special there, and an incredibly restful and creative space.’ Neil Macdonald, Chief Executive, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust

‘The Rothschild Foundation has a long-standing relationship with Lindengate, most recently we were a recipient of their Charity of the Year award and core investment through a Covid Support Fund grant. We hope to further expand our association in 2021 through a proposed Nature Alliance, led by Lindengate in partnership with a consortium of local charities. Throughout the pandemic, and with the emergence of the Nature Alliance, Lindengate has taken a strategic and thoughtful approach to supporting the well-being of Buckinghamshire communities through nature-based activities. “The Foundation has been impressed by the team’s integration with statutory mental health provision and coordination with the local Clinical Commissioning Group and NHS Trust.” Leona Forsyth, Grants Manager, Rothschild Foundation

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD.

Registered charity no: 1153868

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2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

Lindengate is taking the lead in pulling together local partners who deliver ‘greencare’ and nature based activities to form a Nature Alliance, for which we are now actively seeking funding (a copy of the video we submitted to Comic Relief in support of a Nature Alliance web interface can be found at this link: https://youtu.be/hbofWk9yUD4).

Lindengate recognises the strength to be had in working collaboratively to achieve its own goals and to support the community effectively. We are therefore leading partners from Chiltern Rangers, The Chiltern Society, Road Farm Countryways and BBOWT (Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust) to establish a county-wide Nature Alliance to support Buckinghamshire’s ICS. Our motivation comes in response to the needs of our community, as articulated in the literature and through some of Lindengate’s stalwart supporters, for example:

‘At Buckinghamshire Mind, we encourage young people to look after their wellbeing by doing things that help them relax. We therefore fully endorse the Nature Alliance project, which is giving young people great opportunities to gain skills whilst being in nature.’ Andrea

McCubbin, Chief Executive, Buckinghamshire Mind

‘Bucks MHST and Lindengate share similar values and have a similar ethos in offering early intervention support to young people. We would be interested in a future collaboration between the Bucks MHST and Lindengate.’ Dr Laura Tozer, Clinical Psychologist, Bucks Mental

Health Services Team

Charlie Powell, Co-Founder and General Manager of Lindengate explains why this is needed in the context of the changing face of the NHS:

'Lindengate is only 21% full at the moment but so many people with common mental disorders (CMDs) like depression and anxiety are already in the system, waiting weeks, if not months, for a ‘talking therapy’ referral like CBT or counselling. Frequently their mental health is deteriorating while they wait. The NHS can’t cope. The Nature Alliance can bridge the gap and offer some help now. We just need to join up the services.’

The NHS ambition to create Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) finds Buckinghamshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) in the process of expanding its Social Prescribing Link Workers (SPLW) from 15 to 48 to address the unmet needs of the one in five patients presenting to Primary Care

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD. Registered charity no: 1153868

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2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

Networks (PCNs) with wider social needs rather than acute medical issues (Citizens Advice, 2015). Social prescribing is part of the NHS Long Term plan to bring additional capacity into the multidisciplinary team, with national targets of over ‘1,000 trained SPLWs in place by the end of 2020/21 rising further by 2023/2 to create potential for 900,000 people to be referred to social prescribing

schemes ...’ SPLWs are tasked with developing tailored plans and connecting people to local groups and support services (NHS, 2019, p. 25). There is a critical requirement to reduce strain on the NHS (Brandling & House, 2007, p. 3; Elsey, et al., 2016) and find a care model to meet need that is costeffective and sustainable (Bickerdike, Booth, Wilson, Farley, & Wright, 2019, p. 3).

Buckinghamshire CCG is already engaged in discussions with Lindengate about the Nature Alliance and is very supportive:

‘Social Prescribing has been identified as a key element to the NHS Long Term Plan to help integrate the gaps between the NHS and community based services. In Buckinghamshire, the goal is to increase SP referrals from under 2000 in 2020 to over 8,000 by 2024. For example, patients referred to IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Services) are often experiencing a wait of 6 weeks or more to access appropriate mental health services such as counselling or CBT as demand is so much higher than supply. The support offered by nature-based services can help patients whilst they wait for NHS services and can be a lifeline, or indeed prevent the need for such services and medication altogether. The benefits of addressing patients' wider determinants of health such as an introduction to local community services is sometimes the magic that can help turn someone’s life around and increase their confidence to take the next step. As our population lives longer than ever before, isolation and loneliness are an increasing challenge. Greencare and nature-based activities are a fundamental part of the support we need to tackle these societal challenges. I am very excited … to include green social prescribing within NHS service transformation .'

Angela Jessop, Transformation Manager and Social Prescribing Lead for Buckinghamshire CCG

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD.

Registered charity no: 1153868

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2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

Willow weaving on a healing pathways session

In leading the Nature Alliance initiative, Lindengate is also responding to issues highlighted in current academic research. In their report A review of nature-based interventions for mental health care , Bragg and Atkins identify the following challenges to upscaling and standardising green care delivery models:

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD.

Registered charity no: 1153868

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2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

In the later Natural England report: Good practice in social prescribing for mental health: the role of nature-based interventions (Bragg & Leck, 2017), the authors note widespread confusion in the use of terminology relating to nature-based initiatives for mental health, at the same time as recognising increasing evidence for their success. They suggest adoption of the following terminology to describe the nature, health and wellbeing sector:

Lindengate is leading the way locally in adopting these terms and encouraging Nature Alliance partners to do the same. Bragg and Leck’s report (Bragg & Leck, 2017) has influenced the way Lindengate has modified its services over the past year. At the heart of our thinking is the acknowledgement of the benefits of a sustained and active interest in gardening and being in nature as shown below:

All programmes at Lindengate use the therapeutic benefits of both experiencing and interacting with the natural environment to improve people’s mental wellbeing.

Each individual Lindengate Programme provides nature based interventions for all ages within one or more of three categories of the collective Nature, Health and Wellbeing Model .

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD.

Registered charity no: 1153868

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2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

(Bragg & Leck, 2017)

Each sub category within the Nature Health and Wellbeing Model offers a different level of support; people can move in both directions according to their current level of need.

Here is the list of programmes Lindengate offers under each category:

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD.

Registered charity no: 1153868

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2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

Everyday Life Rest and Reflect Through the Gate peer supported volunteering Green volunteens Volunteering Kitchen Gardening Health Promotion Rest and Reflect Nature Connection Minority Women’s Wellbeing and Resilience Group Through the Gate peer supported volunteering Green volunteens Volunteering Kitchen Gardening

Green Care Wellbeing Pathways Nurture Pathways Healing Pathways Planted #YOU’VE Memory Pathways Thyme Minority Women’s Wellbeing and Resilience Group

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD.

Registered charity no: 1153868

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2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

Charlie Powell, Co-founder and General Manager, being filmed for the BBOWT review

Lindengate recognises that partnership working will strengthen its own position and, in turn, that of our partners. We hope by working together we might tackle one of the key challenges raised by Bragg and Leck (Bragg & Leck, 2017):

‘The lack of direct funding for the health care interventions offered through social prescription together with no underpinning referral system are fundamental barriers to the NHS’s ambitions to increase the scale of social prescribing in the future.’ (Bragg & Leck, 2017, p. 10)

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD.

Registered charity no: 1153868

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2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

The following diagram shows the complexity of navigating through the ‘no man’s land’ that lies between statutory and voluntary and community services:

(Bragg & Leck, 2017)

By channelling the power of partnership, Lindengate is aiming to address some of these underlying challenges to support the growth of green prescribing throughout Buckinghamshire, and critical issues relating to funding. Lindengate has recognised and acted upon the importance of working in partnership to facilitate a comprehensive and accessible service to showcase ‘greencare’ and nature based activities that can be offered consistently to our partners in the statutory sector and to others in community mental health service provision.

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD.

Registered charity no: 1153868

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2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

Lindengate horticulture staff working with volunteers from Chiltern Rangers

1.2. Outline of report

In line with our funded outcomes, our report covers the main areas of the charity’s work from March 2020 – February 2021:

● Beneficiaries

● Volunteers

● Finance

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD.

Registered charity no: 1153868

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2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

2. Beneficiaries

Modifications at a time of Covid-19

Due to the global pandemic, we have adapted our service delivery to ensure that all elements of our programmes take place outside and social distancing and sanitisation rules are strictly adhered to. Full risk assessments have been carried out at all stages and are continuously updated to ensure that we are Covid Safe. With due consideration to social distancing restrictions and the latest rules, Lindengate has achieved the following over the year:

Lindengate has also started to integrate important learning into its existing sessions to ensure staff

are trained to understand bereavement and be able to support people who have experienced bereavement, grief and loss of any kind. We have also started to run weekend sessions to extend our offer to those who are working.

Our extended post-Covid-19 fully-integrated and inclusive offer includes:

Rest and reflect : Free drop-ins, giving you time and space to ‘be’ in a calm, safe environment whilst relaxing in beautiful, natural surroundings

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD.

Registered charity no: 1153868

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2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

A member of a local art group enjoying time to rest and reflect at Lindengate

Wellbeing Pathways : Weekly sessions for people with low to moderate mental health needs, providing small group support to help people with their mental wellbeing recovery, through nature based activities.

Healing Pathways : Using nature to help us understand loss. Providing hope, support and understanding in a gentle way. Sessions for adults take place in small groups on Saturday mornings, where people can come and take time to think about their loss, in our therapeutic gardens. The garden lends itself to nurturing people, the natural beauty and richness help to restore and heal, with support from a community of volunteers and staff, in a natural environment.

Minority Women’s Wellbeing and Resilience Group : For adults, taking place every month, supporting women from the BAME community, offering a safe and relaxing environment, to build resilience and improve wellbeing.

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD.

Registered charity no: 1153868

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2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

Nature connection : Working in the natural environment to improve physical and mental wellbeing. Sessions can be tailored for groups to support specific team needs.

Green Volunteens (Volunteering for U18s) : Weekend sessions for Under 18s, supported by experienced volunteers, working together in our Nature Reserve. All activities are nature-based, focussing on conservation, bushcrafts and heritage skills. Young people are given the chance to learn new skills, meet new friends, support the environment and at the same time, let the environment support them and benefit from their time connected to nature.

Through the Gate (Become a Peer Supported Volunteer) : programmes for 18-24 and 25+. Working in Lindengate’s gardens and Nature Reserve, experienced volunteers are trained (in partnership with Community Impact Bucks) in the role of a peer supporter and matched up with an apprentice volunteer with the aim of supporting them in building their confidence and skills to become a fully fledged volunteer. This, in turn, will provide many of the younger ones amongst them very valuable work experience.

A lunch break on the peer support training programme

Lindengate@home – we are using social media to take Lindengate activities to support people in their homes based on the Five Ways to Wellbeing.

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD.

Registered charity no: 1153868

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2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

2.1. Weekly Gardeners

Due to the initial lockdown, Lindengate had to close its doors to weekly Gardeners from MarchSeptember. As restrictions eased over the summer, we launched some new services alongside reopening our main weekly programmes to allow lower risk Gardeners back onto the site. Unfortunately, Gardeners from higher risk groups, eg elderly Gardeners with dementia, have still been unable to return. Due to the serious impact of coronavirus, it is necessary to reassess all Gardeners returning to Lindengate, to ensure we are still equipped to deal with their needs if, for example, their mental health has worsened, or to ensure they are provided with the right level of support if their needs have changed.

Because Lindengate is working co-operatively with statutory and voluntary service providers across Buckinghamshire, we are ensuring those we cannot help are signposted on to appropriate services. The second and third lockdowns have again scuppered our plans to return to capacity, adding additional pressures to our finances.

Wellbeing Pathways

Wellbeing Pathways is Lindengate’s programme for Gardeners who attend regularly over the longer term. This programme operated as normal with 54 different Gardeners (most once weekly, some twice weekly) from 2 Jan 2020 to 19 March 2020, when Lindengate was forced to close from w/c 23 March 2020 for the first lockdown period.

Gardeners were all informed by individual written letter (and email/phone call where appropriate) of Lindengate’s enforced closure and directed to appropriate mental health support resources.

Our closure date coincided with the end of a 6-month review period for those Gardeners. All their current Goals were given a GAS score and other outcomes recorded. See data and graphs below.

Measuring impact of our Gardeners’ programmes

Wellbeing Pathways (weekly Gardeners)

Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) is the system used to measure whether our Gardeners are meeting their wellbeing goals. If a Goal is achieved, this is scored at 0. If they achieve a better than expected outcome this is scored at: +1 (somewhat better) or +2 (much better). If they achieve a worse than expected outcome this is scored at: -1 (somewhat worse) or -2 (much worse).

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD.

Registered charity no: 1153868

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2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

Gardeners goals are set in line with the Five Ways to Wellbeing:

The following information refers to the period October 2019 to end of April 2020 (although, due to lockdown, Gardeners finished at Lindengate during March 2020).

Gardeners

Figure one shows the breakdown of Gardeners’ Five Ways to Wellbeing Goals

----- Start of picture text -----
1: Lindengate's breakdown of Gardeners' Five Ways to
Wellbeing Goals 2020
17%
24%
7%
9%
43%
Active Connect Give Learn Notice
----- End of picture text -----

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD.

Registered charity no: 1153868

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2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

Figure two shows results of Gardeners’ GAS scores

----- Start of picture text -----
2: Lindengate Gardeners' Gas Scores 2020
Improved to 2 14.00%
Improved to 1 12.00%
Improved to 0 60.00%
Same -1 14.00%
0.00% 10.00% 20.00% 30.00% 40.00% 50.00% 60.00% 70.00%
----- End of picture text -----

Figure three shows the breakdown of Gardeners’ GAS scores (Gardeners scoring 0 or above met or exceeded their goals)

3: Lindengate Overall Gardeners' Gas Scores 2020

Goals per category:

All Gardeners with Active Goals scored 0 or above.

20 out of the 25 Gardeners (80%) with Connect Goals scored 0 or above

3 out of the 5 Gardeners (60%) with Give Goals scored 0 or above

3 out of the 4 Gardeners (75%) with Learn Goals scored 0 or above

All Gardeners with Notice Goals scored 0 or above

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD.

Registered charity no: 1153868

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2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

During Closure Period

Lindengate was unable to provide any individual support to Gardeners during closure as our working model and confidentiality rules only permit us to provide wellbeing support while the person is on site. Any Gardener contacting us for support with their wellbeing was signposted to Lindengate@Home and to their existing mental health care professionals and Bucks Healthy Minds.

For those who were able to access the Internet, either privately at home or via supported accommodation staff, Lindengate provided a "Lindengate@Home" resource - a series of approx 25 - nature based activities linked to the Five ways to wellbeing - see https://lindengate.org.uk/lindengate

at-home/

Staff at Peverel Court Care Home, Aylesbury, preparing a Lindengate@Home gardening session for residents

Lindengate@Home can be adapted to support anyone’s needs. It is designed to help you gently regain some structure and purpose in your day and learn how to reconnect (albeit in different ways) with those things that can help you to maintain and regain your wellbeing. The simple and easy to follow activities are based on what we very successfully use to support people at Lindengate.

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD.

Registered charity no: 1153868

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2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

The same activities were also published on social media.

.

Some feedback received from people doing Lindengate@Home activities: I rate my experience: Very Happy

Activities that helped my wellbeing: Give to others

Message about my experience: All the activities apply to me. I knew about them all but a good reminder. Thank you for all the brilliant work you do

Many Gardeners reported that they were able to show resilience during the first lockdown and coped with isolation by using what they had learned during their time at Lindengate. They knew that doing simple gardening activities at home or for wider family members would reduce their anxiety and help their wellbeing e.g. helping them to take notice of nature around them, to give to others and help them to keep them active.

Proud of their results!

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD.

Registered charity no: 1153868

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2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

Re-onboarding previous Gardeners in September 2020

The process for re-onboarding previous Gardeners began in September 2020 as restrictions eased. See flowchart below.

Previous Gardeners were initially grouped by staff using a Red Amber Green system to note whether they would need significant, little or no support to access their sessions in accordance with Covid 19 safety guidelines. For anyone assessed as Green or Amber, correspondence was undertaken with the individual's listed care professionals for any risk assessment/care plan updates. If agreed that

Lindengate was still likely to be a suitable place for that person's support, due to amount of time away, every previous Gardener was required to attend an individual site re-acclimatisation visit and reassessed using the Vona de Toit Model of Creative Ability (VdTMoCA) to ascertain their current support needs. A number of Gardeners were identified as having increased support needs, so were allocated to smaller groups.

Everyone commented on how relieved and grateful they were that the volunteers and staff had been able to return to the site previously and keep the gardens in a good state so there was a resource for them to return to.

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD.

Registered charity no: 1153868

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2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

On reassessment in Sept 2020 people cited the most important reason they need Lindengate is to be able to connect socially with others and end their isolation.

Quotes “The hardest thing about lockdown in the summer was not being able to come to Lindengate”

“it feels like I’ve come home”

“It’s relaxed me just the thought of being here again”.

A fully risk-assessed new Wellbeing Pathways structure was planned and put in place in order for sessions to meet Covid 19 safely guidelines.

Wellbeing Pathways operated as normal with 21 different Gardeners (most once weekly, some twice weekly) from 5 October 2020 to 17 December 2020 when the service closed for the Christmas break. In order to guarantee groups would go ahead and in recognition of potential challenges and unknowns posed by the Covid 19 situation, all groups were led by permanent Gardener team staff, with trained and experienced volunteers co-supporting. Due to the continually changing Covid situation and challenges this presented to people's lives, we did not want to rely on volunteers to be sole lead for any group.

In November 2020 (after a 4 week period of resettlement) staff carried out Individual Goal setting with returning Gardeners - overwhelmingly people chose Connect (to improve their wellbeing through social connection with others) and Take Notice (to improve their wellbeing through connection to the natural environment around them). The results of this evaluation will be reported in our next report.

Although we are working to bring weekly Gardeners back on site as lockdown rules permit, we have not yet had an uninterrupted six month period during which to measure attainment for re-onboarded weekly Gardeners. A selection of quotes from Gardeners who have returned to Lindengate since the initial lockdown is below.

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD.

Registered charity no: 1153868

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2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

Quotes from Gardeners who have come back to Lindengate since September 2020

“Happy to return after so many weeks.”

"Coming to Lindengate does me good".

"I am just enjoying the peace and quiet".

"I feel peace at Lindengate".

Many other references have been recorded of Gardeners feeling happier and more creative to be back at Lindengate. One of our weekly Gardeners wrote a poem that really sums up the essence of what Lindengate is trying to achieve. The Gardener is happy for their poem to be shared anonymously:

Lindengate Once, when I was in a state I made some friends at Lindengate They didn’t curse, or spit or shout Just gave me space to feel less doubt When I needed peace to breathe They taught me how to willow weave When I turned up consumed by ache I healed gently through mosaic A picture forms from broken pieces I grout me too, and something eases I don’t know who I’m going to be But with your help, I’d like to see Spring is coming. I will cope Bulbs will swell and burst with hope Snowdrops, Tulips, Prims and Daffs Tea and wellbeing, friends and laughs

2.2. Bespoke short programmes

Nature Connection

Throughout the year we have flexed and adapted our services to respond to need. Since the initial lockdown was lifted, we have run some nature-based wellbeing sessions for mid-lifers who have been on the frontline of stressful situations (eg NHS staff working on ICU units), and these have been very well received.

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD.

Registered charity no: 1153868

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2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

For example, we adapted our Nature Connections programme to meet the mental health needs of keyworkers. Participants benefited from a 3-hour wellbeing session, with activities involving bushcraft, heritage skills and conservation, enabling them to benefit from a stronger connection with nature, whilst learning resilience and coping mechanisms through nature based activities.

NHS staff on the Nature Connections programme, September 2020

We found that the shorter programme (3 hours rather than a weekend) was both more manageable for those experiencing extremely stressful situations to attend, and enabled Lindengate to accommodate more people when demand was far greater than anticipated. We ‘piloted’ delivery of 3-hourly sessions with 62 key workers who were experiencing mid-life stress due the extreme and unprecedented

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD.

Registered charity no: 1153868

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2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

circumstances created by the Covid-19 pandemic. Our goal is to support many more mid-lifers who

are experiencing difficult circumstances and stress due to the Covid-19 pandemic throughout 2021.

98% of the 62 people attending Nature Connection so far have filled in an evaluation; 100% of these expressed positive benefits from their time spent at Lindengate

Comments received from participants show the types of positive outcomes that participants have experienced:

‘This is an excellent time to meet each other and discuss and ventilate our feelings, get suggestions etc’

‘It was very well done so [would change] nothing.’

When asked what they enjoyed, these are some of the comments:

‘Everything. Had good time to ventilate our feelings and stress. Then excellent outside activities.’

‘Mindfulness. Relief from stress’.

‘The group said they had really enjoyed the outdoor activities, which helped them de-stress after such a heavy time.’

‘Opportunity for sharing. Loved the outdoor / fire making part.’

‘The opportunity to speak about how we are all feeling.’

‘All in general. The best.’

‘The open air activities gave me satisfaction.’

‘Talking and listening session. Walking around the garden.’

‘Fire pit. Bread [on a stick]. Some social time with colleagues.’

Neil Macdonald, Chief Executive of Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust has been extremely impressed with Lindengate’s support programme for key workers:

‘… the Trust and indeed me personally have been a big supporter and user of green prescribing as an effective intervention in people’s health and well-being.

Not only is this supported in how we offer intervention to residents in our community, it is also important for the health of my colleagues in the health and social care workforce. If one’s job is to care, then one’s first priority must be to look after the people looking after the people!

I speak on behalf of my workforce of over 6 thousand colleagues in supporting this … for the wider community.’

Neil Macdonald, Chief Executive, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust

Women’s wellbeing minority group

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD.

Registered charity no: 1153868

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2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

The women's wellbeing session is open monthly for minority women 18yrs+. Lindengate’s Minority Women's Wellbeing and Resilience programme offers the opportunity to improve mental and physical wellness through structured peer support sessions combining resilience and nature based activities. Participants are encouraged to utilise skills gained in everyday life.

Women accessing the service have experienced emotional isolation and cultural influences, where attitudes are traditionally a barrier to accessing support (e.g. a woman is strong holding the family together - cannot be perceived as being weak etc.)

The example below outlines a typical session plan that focuses on engaging the community, increasing physical activity and promoting healthier lifestyles.

● Welcome! ● Session 5 introduce Positive Parenting ● Break ● Role plays on how to improve communication with children. Simple everyday parenting skills. ● Explore Lindengate 5 acre gardens/Mindful photography return and feedback to the group - Translate learning at home: take a walk in the garden and identify a plant, listen to and identify a bird, smell and identify a herb (This can be done with children to help bonding, learning and growth) ● Wellbeing Reflection: Give – Your time, words, presence ● Write 3 things in which you give or ways you could do so in the future

Other sessions offered over a six-month period include learning how to plant /grow vegetables.

#YOUVE

YOUVE is a 6 session nature-based programme for 16-18 year olds to support young people currently struggling or disengaged from education, employment or training. The course covers

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD.

Registered charity no: 1153868

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2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

conservation, bush craft, mindfulness techniques and team building. Activities enable increased confidence, job skills and the development of seven soft skills to increase employment opportunities. #YOUVE offers the opportunity for young people to participate in purposeful nature based activities, that encourage a natural growth in assertiveness, improve self-confidence, reduce anxiety and

emotional distress, and promote well-being.

Bread on a stick over the firepit #YOUVE

The programme amalgamates Maslow's hierarchy of needs with the Five Ways to Wellbeing: Connect, Be Active, Keep Learning, Give to Others, Take Notice . The course modules are structured to help young people gain an understanding of their basic needs and to develop positive approaches to wellbeing.

All candidates attending our pilot #YOUVE course in 2019 showed improvement in their mental health. The best evidence base is from the participants themselves quoting ‘not wanting to leave’, ‘wanting to volunteer’ at Lindengate. (Such feedback has been a big driver in Lindengate setting up youth

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD.

Registered charity no: 1153868

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2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

volunteering programmes.) One participant has developed their own card business, another has a paid job delivering leaflets for an estate agent and the third is looking to relocate to Sweden.

Feeling happy – a participant on the #YOUVE programme

Planted

'Planted' is another of Lindengate’s short programmes, which we offer to young people aged between 13-15 years, who are facing mental health challenges and feel like they have nowhere to go. This is a

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD.

Registered charity no: 1153868

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2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

course that will help them connect with nature and creativity. To gain a sense of achievement, purpose and the resilience and personal / practical tool kit to help them overcome their daily struggles. In a world where their ground has shifted and they feel unsteady, this is a place to come and be. To stand firm and be planted in activities that will help them to not only survive but grow.

Over six sessions, Planted covers the important topics of:

We are seeking funding to run four 'Planted' programmes, each benefiting 6 young people to attend 6 x 2 hour sessions which are managed by an externally trained facilitator. Following a successful recent pilot project, and with increasing numbers of young people suffering the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, we know there is a huge demand for this project and we want to continue to help more young people with mental health needs.

Feedback from the pilot was overwhelmingly positive, with the young people learning better coping strategies, enjoying taking notice of the natural world around them, and reporting that they felt more ‘grounded’. A demand for further engagement with Lindengate and volunteering opportunities has also led to Lindengate introducing weekly under 18 volunteering sessions.

Outcomes

Using the Five Ways to Wellbeing, Lindengate evaluates progress of the candidates over the sixsessions of the course.

All evaluations for both Planted and #YOUVE showed evidence of:

2.3. The general public

We worked with local mental health providers to establish new services to support those affected by Covid-19, rising to the challenge of supporting our community, introducing new Covid-proof

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD.

Registered charity no: 1153868

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2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

programmes, such as Rest and Reflect that have led to awards such as Thames Valley Hero and Proud of Bucks. BBC South picked up on this new initiative and featured Lindengate on its local news programme: https://lindengate.org.uk/lindengate-videos/ (see third video on left for the benefits of Rest and Reflect for NHS workers and several other videos that our work has attracted).

BBC South interviewing Charlie about the benefits of Rest and Reflect for NHS workers, July 2020 Since we started our Rest and Reflect programme in June, initially for NHS staff and key workers and kindly supported by National Lottery Community Foundation’s emergency funding alongside contributions from other funders, we have welcomed over 1500 people into Lindengate's gardens to enjoy our calm, safe space, and replenish their mental wellbeing to cope with the challenges of coronavirus. Staff and Volunteers have been vital to ensure that there are people on hand to support, as needed; often, visitors are facing loneliness and isolation and seeing a friendly face (at a distance) can be a lifeline.

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD.

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2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

Support from NLCF’s emergency fund contributed to the costs needed to run this successful

programme. Feedback from beneficiaries includes:

What is clear to staff at Lindengate is that local people need a safe space where they can just come and be nurtured by nature. We initially estimated that 400 people would benefit but, in fact we have helped nearly four times that number since June 2020!

3. Volunteers

3.1. Regular volunteers

The results of our annual volunteer survey show how Lindengate is valued as a community hub for our volunteers. The high percentage of Volunteers (>70%) who felt that their role at Lindengate helped them to manage their wellbeing during the Covid-19 pandemic is particularly gratifying.

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD.

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2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

Volunteers from Vale Countryside Volunteers cleaning up the Lindengate pond September 2020

The following graphs show the responses of 62 Volunteers who responded to our survey in December 2020.

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD.

Registered charity no: 1153868

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2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

Figure four: As a volunteer at Lindengate I have benefited from the experience?

Figure five: By volunteering at Lindengate during Covid it has helped me better manage its

impact on my wellbeing

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD.

Registered charity no: 1153868

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2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

Figure six: By volunteering at Lindengate, I feel my mental and/or physical wellbeing is

improved.

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD.

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2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

Figure seven: By volunteering at Lindengate, I make a difference to one or more of the

following (please select all that apply)

Figure eight: I gain a sense of purpose from my involvement with Lindengate

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD.

Registered charity no: 1153868

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2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

Figure nine: Lindengate is of value to the local community because it provides / supports /

complements :

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD.

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2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

Figure ten: How volunteers perceive Lindengate to be of value to the community

----- Start of picture text -----
Figure eleven: The things volunteers like about Lindengate
(62 respondents)
Other
It is helping me to cope with the pandemic
I enjoy working in conservation
Lindengate makes a difference to the
environment
I enjoy spending time in the Lindengate gardens
It helps me gain work experience
It helps me to use my existing skills
It helps me to learn new skills
It helps me to improve my own mental
wellbeing
It helps me to feel less isolated
It helps me to feel part of a community
It helps me to feel happier
I have made new friends through Lindengate
I feel like I make a difference through my
involvement
It helps other people to improve their mental
health
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
----- End of picture text -----

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD.

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2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

Figure twelve: Profile of Lindengate volunteers by employment status

3.2. Peer supporters

We have currently trained 12 people who have signed up to a new Peer Support programme, and it is evolving even better than expected. Over the summer we developed the peer support programme in partnership with Community Impact Bucks (CIB). Following this we have recruited suitable volunteers from our existing volunteer workforce to be trained as peer support volunteers. These might be, for example, people who would normally be working or who have retired and have skills they wish to pass on. All of these volunteers have gone through a full induction programme, delivered in partnership with CIB, and we are now looking to match them with apprentice volunteers who will benefit from their experience.

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD.

Registered charity no: 1153868

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2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

3.3. Volunteens

Green Volunteens

The group has been running for approximately four months now and started with seven young people attending (recently increased to 13), with five adult peer mentors/volunteers supporting the group. It runs every Saturday morning 10am - 1pm and the group take part in a variety of horticultural tasks as determined by the Horticulture team. The session always ends with a firepit and time to sit and chat.

The group consists of 9 females and 4 males, and the age range is from 14 –18. A couple of the young people had already been on the Lindengate #YOUVE programme so were familiar with Lindengate, others came via recommendation through Connections.

The group has grown in confidence and it has been a delight seeing them

turn up in all weathers, always with a smile on their faces. The following case studies reflect our observations of the young people and incorporate Lindengate’s Five ways to wellbeing philosophy.

Young Person (YP)1 - Connect

On their initial application form, YP1 had indicated that they experienced social anxiety. They initially found it difficult to talk to the others including the adult peers; eye contact was limited and they appeared very shy and a little withdrawn. However, they were keen to take part in the tasks and very able to follow instruction. They have also turned up week in week out without fail. The biggest change in this YP and their ability to connect to the group, came about involving mud! One particular session saw the group facing the most awful weather conditions, heavy rain and wind,

which meant the ground was incredibly muddy. The group had chosen to be in the muddiest part of the site moving tyres to form a barrier. YP1 got totally stuck in and absolutely covered in mud along with the others. To see this person laughing and chatting with their peers was a delight, the connection was made and they haven’t turned back. They have grown in confidence and now have formed connections specifically with a couple of the other YP. On hearing that Green Volunteens could go ahead during lockdown, this YP said they had really missed it and was really pleased to be back.

Young Person 2 - Be Active

YP2 is one of the younger members of the group. They are extremely enthusiastic about being a part of the Green Volunteens. Once here, there isn’t a task that they don’t enjoy doing; if they could, they would be here all day! This youngster needs to be active and, according to their parent, this hasn’t been the case during lockdown and they were getting really quite bored and fed up. First session back

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD.

Registered charity no: 1153868

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2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

and they were so pleased to be here and just didn’t stop wanting to help with all the tasks that were set. We imagine that this YP would be a brilliant candidate for peer mentoring in the future.

Young Person 3 - Give

YP 3 is one of the older and quieter members of the group. They haven’t been able to come every week because of exams, but when here they recognise the benefits it not only gives to others but to themself, as well. They recognised quite early on the importance of being outside in nature and that the benefits volunteering had on their own mental health were significant. On talking to them about their experience, they said ‘It makes me feel good, knowing I’m giving my time to benefit others and that it's benefiting me too’.

Young Person 4 - Keep Learning

YP 4 is one of our liveliest and most enthusiastic members. Again like the others, on hearing Green Volunteens could run during lockdown, they voiced their relief and pleasure that they could return. This YP is always in the thick of it, wanting to learn and understand. An example of this was a task set to repot a particular plant. A member of the horticulture team explained how to do and the importance of doing it in a certain way. YP4 took this all on board and was later seen showing a couple of the others how to do it and explaining why it was important to do it in the correct way.

Take Notice

This came from one of the adult volunteers who observed that ‘the teens are able to come here and open up, without being judged. They can be themselves, relax and unwind’.

Another adult volunteer commented that they had noticed the impact of being at Lindengate and supporting these sessions, how it had benefited their mental health in more ways than one. Being able to notice their surroundings and the changes through the seasons, over the past number of months, and noticing how the young people are changing and growing and seeing their personalities come out and how they have bonded as a group now.

Despite the considerable challenges that Covid-19 has presented over the past year, we are delighted to have been able to help so many more people to improve their wellbeing. We feel our new operational model will also help to increase our sustainability in the future.

4. Finance and Fundraising

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD.

Registered charity no: 1153868

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2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

Lindengate has made good progress towards its stated aim of increasing its sustainability over the past year. The Pandemic has allowed Lindengate to reassess and improve in a number of areas. These include:

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD.

Registered charity no: 1153868

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2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

This change in focus has enabled us to lay down reserves of £58,000 in 2020, giving a current total reserve value of £214,000 equating to 4.5 months of operating costs.

A big thank you to the many people who have supported us financially during 2020; we cannot mention everyone but please be assured that every contribution makes a huge difference. The following deserve a special mention.

Kop Hill Climb

Buckinghamshire Council

BUPA

NHS

Local Area Fund Buckinghamshire Council

M & S Aylesbury

Arla

Red Key IT

Waitrose

Biffa

Dobbies

Percy Bilton

Chiltern Handringers

Tesco Bags for help

The Sherling Charitable Trust

The Henry Smith Charity

Rothschild Foundation

Wendover Parish Council

Buckinghamshire Councilors

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD.

Registered charity no: 1153868

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2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust

Heart of Bucks

National Lottery Community Fund

The Clare Foundation

Aylesbury Garden Town

Oxford Diocesan

D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust

The Roger and Jean Jefcoate Trust

Moore Family Trust

Childwick Trust

St Martins Bursar

Aylesbury Rotary Club

Buckingham Garden Centre

Patchsave Solutions Ltd

Stoke Pogis Singers

EON Net Coronavirus Appeal

Ashridge Group

Police Property Act Fund

Ellesborough Golf Club Ladies Section

References

Bickerdike, L., Booth, A., Wilson, P., Farley, K., & Wright, K. (2019). Social prescribing: less rhetoric and more reality. A systematic review of the evidence. BMJ Journals, 7 (4).

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD.

Registered charity no: 1153868

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2020 Annual Report Lindengate Charity June 2021

Lindengate, The Old Allotment Site at Dobbies Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, HP22 6BD.

Registered charity no: 1153868

Page 46

Llndentate Report ofthe Tfustees fortheyear Ended 31 December 2020 The trustees present their report with the financlal statements of the charity for the year ended 31 Oetembei 2020. The trustees have adopted the provlslons of Attounting and Reportlng by Charltles.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparin8 their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reportlng Standard appllcable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 leffectlve I january 20191. srRucfuRE. GOVERNANCE AND M*I4AGEMENr Governing document The charlty Is controlled bylts 8overnlng document, a deed of tlust and constltutes an unlncorporated charity. REFERENCE AND ADMINisfRATIVE DETAILS Reglstered tharlty numbw 1153868 Prlncipal addre55 The Old Allotment51te Next To Dobbies Garden Centrè Aylesbury Road Aylesbury Wendover HP22 6BD Trustees Mr Paul Mile5 ICh3irmznl Mr Anton Wellennelter Mrs lane Penton Mr Wllllam Oldridge Mr Derek Morgan (resigned 31.1.211 Mr Phllip Chattle Iresi8ned 31.1.211 Mr Canon Peter LotFls I￿sIgned 31.1.211 Mr David Medcalf (resigned 31.1.211 Mr Stuart Siddall lappointed 7.6.211 Mr Michael Millward Iresigned 5.8.211 Independent ExamlnÈr Halnes Watts Chartered Actountants 4 Claridge Court Lower Klngs Road Berkhamsted Hertfo¥dshlre HP4 2AF Approved by o of the board of trustees on................................ . and slgned on its behalf by.. Trustee Page 47

Indywdent •x•Thkn¥ rgMt• thètNstee5011kMlffw• I rEWrt to the chaflty trustees on rrry ex•Dln•U(ffi of th• ac£(￿1$ L LbndEn8ate T￿￿ for the >ar •rthd 31 DÈ(emter 2020. Rwornlthl•s•nd ts•sls olfwort As thè charjty trust￿ d the Tnm resk)￿ fLY tht al the Kcounts In •ccordante wlth the requlrementsrlth¢ Act 2011 lhekVI. I repth In reSp￿rt of r¥Yy examinati￿ Lrf the Trust's accounts c¥rrd ￿der 5￿t￿)n 145 d the Art and In Car￿ my oxarnlnètlon I ha￿ fofiowd all 4FglkaUe Directionson the tharity c£￿¢￿ under s•cknon 14515Mbl ofthekL ncè ￿(harity'S voss Incryne eX￿ded £150.CiKI yow •A•mlner rn￿t be a member of a ltsted Lth. I can confim th14m Iwllfled to ￿dertakn the e¥aftNnatlcffj becau l am a r¥lstered mwnb¥ of FCA Ththkth Is one of the Ilst•d bodles. the ￿MINt[an ¥¥5￿ me cau tobollm th•tln •rym•Etrl•l w: accoun￿￿ were not In re5PXt dtheTnJ5t •$requI￿d hseciicffi 130 oFthèArt: or the accounts th not xcordTfth tlKJse record%. or th• accrmJnts do not CLry4ywlth the aw41cable requhm•nts foffn ￿nt rf Kctymtss tyJl In the Charftles (Accounts and A¢FQrtsl Re8ul•tkn$ 2(￿ rther than any rewrement thit •ccounts ve a trut •ndlali ¥knwThkh ts not4 mitter •$ p•rt of In Indwrtht•x•mknatknn. I h•¥e no concerns and across no oth•r m•ttm In cth)ntt¥oA wlth the exarnlrtkn to ¥knlch •tt•ntbn should be driwn lrtthls reFQrt In wderto en•bk a woper undEr5tandSwof the acuwnrsto be rtach•d. ,rLF Jts Shaun Brownsrniih FCA Halnes W•tts Chirttred Accountsnts 4 Oartdy Court Lower R￿d Berkhamrted Hertlordshire HP4 Z4F

Lindengate

Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2020

Unrestricted
fund
Notes
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
308,166
Charitable activities
Charitable activities
2,139
Other income
39,906
Total
350,211
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds
2
9,242
Charitable activities
Charitable activities
304,351
Total
313,593
NET INCOME
36,618
Transfers between funds
9
(1,020)
Net movement in funds
35,598
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
50,513
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
86,111		 Restricted
funds
£
1
117,493
-
117,494
14,683
81,304
95,987
21,507
1,020
22,527
105,638
128,165		 31.12.20
31.12.19
Total
Total
funds
funds
£
£
308,167
336,476
119,632
111,859
39,906
17,349
467,705
465,684
23,925
17,274
385,655
382,298
409,580
399,572
58,125
66,112
-
-
58,125
66,112
156,151
90,039
214,276
156,151		 31.12.20
31.12.19
Total
Total
funds
funds
£
£
308,167
336,476
119,632
111,859
39,906
17,349
467,705
465,684
23,925
17,274
385,655
382,298
409,580
399,572
58,125
66,112
-
-
58,125
66,112
156,151
90,039
214,276
156,151
465,684
17,274
382,298
399,572
66,112
-
66,112
90,039
156,151

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 49

Llndenwe Balance Sheet 31 December 2020 31.12.20 Total funds 31.12.19 Total fvnds Unrestrict fvnd Restrlcted funds Note5 FIXED ASSETS Tanglble assets 27,948 27,948 26,662 CURRENT ASSErs Debtors Cash In hand 17,348 115.516 17.348 243,682 11,243 146,409 128,166 132,864 128,166 261,030 157,652 aiEDITORS Amounts frdlling due vhthin one year 174,7021 174,7021 128.1631 MET CURRENfASSErs 58.162 128,166 186,328 129,489 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIIAILITIES 86.110 128,166 214,276 IS6,151 86,110 128,166 214,276 156.151 FLINDS Unrestllcted fvnds Restritted funds 86,110 128,166 50,513 105.638 TOTAL FUNDS 214.276 156,151 statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorSsed for issue on . arKI were slgned on behalf by.. Trustee The note5 fomi part of theseflnanclal statements P38e 50

Lindengate

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2020

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The presentation currency of these financial statements is in sterling.

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. The trustees have reviewed and considered relevant information, including the annual budget and future cash flows in making their assessment. In particular, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the trustees have tested their cash flow analysis to take into account the impact on their business of possible scenarios brought on by the impact of COVID-19, alongside the measures that they can take to mitigate the impact. Based on these assessments, given the measures that could be undertaken to mitigate the current adverse conditions, and the current resources available, the trustees have concluded that they can continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the annual report and accounts.

Critical estimates and judgements

In preparing financial statements it is necessary to make certain judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts recognised in the financial statements. In the view of the Trustees in applying the accounting policies adopted, no judgements were required that have a significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements nor do any estimates or assumptions made carry a significant risk of material adjustment in the next financial year.

Income

Income is recognised when the Charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance indicators attached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount can be measured reliably.

Donations are recognised in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when entitled, receipt is probable and when the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. Gift aid receivable is included when claimable.

Grant income is credited to the Statement of Financial Activities when received or receivable whichever is earlier, unless the grant relates to a future year, in which case it is deferred. Income from charitable activities is credited to the Statement of Financial Activities when received or receivable whichever is earlier, unless it relates to a specific future year or event, in which case it is deferred.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been included under expense categories that aggregate all costs for allocation to activities.

Indirect costs, including governance costs, which cannot be directly attributed to activities, are allocated proportionate to direct costs allocated to each project area.

Irrecoverable VAT is charged against the category of expenditure for which it was incurred.

continued...

Page 51

Lindengate

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2020

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of fixed assets, less their residual value, over their useful life, on a straight-line basis. The useful life used is:

Plant and machinery

5 years

Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

Hire purchase and leasing commitments

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charity's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.

2. RAISING FUNDS

Raising donations and legacies

3.

Raising donations and legacies
31.12.20 31.12.19
£ £
Staff costs 7,433 4,398
Fundraising event costs 3,311 7,086
Promotional costs 13,181 5,790
23,925 17,274
AUDITORS' REMUNERATION
31.12.20 31.12.19
£ £
Fees payable to the charity's auditors for the audit of the charity's financial
statements 1,496 1,425

continued...

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Lindengate

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2020

4. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 December 2020 nor for the year ended 31 December 2019.

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 December 2020 nor for the year ended 31 December 2019.

5. STAFF COSTS

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
Employees
No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.		 31.12.20
£
297,043
2,214
5,219
304,476
31.12.20
19		 31.12.19
£
287,455
2,990
1,408
291,853
31.12.19
18

6. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Plant and
machinery
£
COST
At 1 January 2020 79,751
Additions 11,714
At 31 December 2020 91,465
DEPRECIATION
At 1 January 2020 53,089
Charge for year 10,428
At 31 December 2020 63,517
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 December 2020 27,948
At 31 December 2019 26,662

continued...

Page 53

Lindengate

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2020

7. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
31.12.20 31.12.19
£ £
Trade debtors 12,288 9,453
Prepayments and accrued income 5,060 1,790
17,348 11,243
8. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
31.12.20 31.12.19
£ £
Trade creditors 3,267 -
Taxation and social security 5,562 4,547
Other creditors 65,873 23,616
74,702 28,163

continued...

Page 54

Lindengate

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2020

9. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Office Cabin
Volunteer Hub
Bee Keeping
Reserves
Memory Pathways
Secure Storage Units
Sensory Garden & Pond
Shady Shelter
Potting Shed & Office Extension
Alpine Bed
Black Poplar Conservation
Welcome Area
Sound and Light Area
Young People (16-24)
Rill (Sensory Garden)
Core (Volunteer Admin)
ADS & Complex Needs
ACT Foundation
Wildflower Development
Kitchen Garden
Butterfly Conservation
Giants Armchair Terrace
Companion Seating
Woodworking Facility
Complex Needs
Vulnerable Women
Tools & Equiment
Groundworks
You've LGF
Polytunnel Conservation
IT/CRM
New Office Block
Gift Aid
Nature Connection
Outdoor Furniture
Older Gardeners
Ipads
Rest & Reflect
Through The Gate
Support The Supporter
Digger
TOTAL FUNDS		 At 1.1.20
£
50,513
1,640
2,260
498
1,000
8,831
1,888
3,108
3,400
2,689
330
2,022
79
2,640
13,849
3,200
7,680
3,750
534
109
1,529
1,180
2,254
105
5,000
18,000
3,311
148
5,223
4,734
1,237
4,000
(200)
(390)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
105,638
156,151		 Net
movement
in funds
£
36,617
-
-
-
5,000
(828)
-
-
(69)
-
-
(493)
-
(36)
(3,115)
-
(7,680)
-
-
-
-
(17)
-
-
(2,871)
(18,000)
(3,311)
-
-
(1,307)
-
(3,304)
170
(390)
21,256
17
15,000
138
15,058
4,500
2,000
(210)
21,508
58,125		 Transfers
between
funds
£
(1,020)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
30
780
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
210
1,020
-		 At
31.12.20
£
86,110
1,640
2,260
498
6,000
8,003
1,888
3,108
3,331
2,689
330
1,529
79
2,604
10,734
3,200
-
3,750
534
109
1,529
1,163
2,254
105
2,129
-
-
148
5,223
3,427
1,237
696
-
-
21,256
17
15,000
138
15,058
4,500
2,000
-
128,166
214,276

continued...

Page 55

Lindengate

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2020

9. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Volunteer Hub
Reserves
Memory Pathways
Shady Shelter
Black Poplar Conservation
Sound and Light Area
Young People (16-24)
Core (Volunteer Admin)
Butterfly Conservation
Woodworking Facility
Complex Needs
Vulnerable Women
You've LGF
IT/CRM
New Office Block
Gift Aid
Nature Connection
Outdoor Furniture
Older Gardeners
Ipads
Rest & Reflect
Through The Gate
Support The Supporter
Digger
TOTAL FUNDS		 Incoming
resources
£
350,211
3,000
5,000
-
-
-
-
(1)
-
-
-
-
-
2,001
-
9,400
-
23,000
2,000
15,000
2,097
49,497
4,500
2,000
-
117,494
467,705		 Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(313,594)
36,617
(3,000)
-
-
5,000
(828)
(828)
(69)
(69)
(493)
(493)
(36)
(36)
(3,114)
(3,115)
(7,680)
(7,680)
(17)
(17)
(2,871)
(2,871)
(18,000)
(18,000)
(3,311)
(3,311)
(3,308)
(1,307)
(3,304)
(3,304)
(9,230)
170
(390)
(390)
(1,744)
21,256
(1,983)
17
-
15,000
(1,959)
138
(34,439)
15,058
-
4,500
-
2,000
(210)
(210)
(95,986)
21,508
(409,580)
58,125

continued...

Page 56

Lindengate

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2020

9. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparatives for movement in funds

Net
movement At
At 1.1.19 in funds 31.12.19
£ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General fund 26,852 23,661 50,513
Restricted funds
Office Cabin 1,640 - 1,640
Volunteer Hub 2,260 - 2,260
Deer Fencing 3 (3) -
Bee Keeping 968 (470) 498
Reserves 1,000 - 1,000
Memory Pathways 8,580 251 8,831
Secure Storage Units 1,888 - 1,888
Sensory Garden & Pond 108 3,000 3,108
Shady Shelter 1,396 2,004 3,400
Potting Shed & Office Extension 2,689 - 2,689
Alpine Bed 330 - 330
Black Poplar Conservation 4,148 (2,126) 2,022
Welcome Area 79 - 79
Sound and Light Area 5,000 (2,360) 2,640
Young People (16-24) 3,000 10,849 13,849
Rill (Sensory Garden) 3,200 - 3,200
Core (Volunteer Admin) 7,680 - 7,680
ADS & Complex Needs 3,750 - 3,750
ACT Foundation 534 - 534
Wildflower Development 109 - 109
Kitchen Garden 7,541 (6,012) 1,529
Butterfly Conservation 1,636 (456) 1,180
Giants Armchair Terrace 543 1,711 2,254
Companion Seating 105 - 105
Woodworking Facility 5,000 - 5,000
Complex Needs - 18,000 18,000
Vulnerable Women - 3,311 3,311
Tools & Equiment - 148 148
Groundworks - 5,223 5,223
You've LGF - 4,734 4,734
Polytunnel Conservation - 1,237 1,237
IT/CRM - 4,000 4,000
New Office Block - (200) (200)
Gift Aid - (390) (390)
63,187 42,451 105,638
TOTAL FUNDS 90,039 66,112 156,151

continued...

Page 57

Lindengate

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2020

9. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Deer Fencing
Bee Keeping
Memory Pathways
Sensory Garden & Pond
Shady Shelter
Black Poplar Conservation
Sound and Light Area
Young People (16-24)
Kitchen Garden
Butterfly Conservation
Giants Armchair Terrace
Complex Needs
Vulnerable Women
Tools & Equiment
Groundworks
You've LGF
Polytunnel Conservation
IT/CRM
New Office Block
Gift Aid
TOTAL FUNDS		 Incoming
resources
£
384,059
-
-
5,600
3,000
3,500
1,689
-
12,000
1
-
3,868
18,000
6,630
1,000
10,799
6,538
5,000
4,000
-
-
81,625
465,684		 Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(360,398)
23,661
(3)
(3)
(470)
(470)
(5,349)
251
-
3,000
(1,496)
2,004
(3,815)
(2,126)
(2,360)
(2,360)
(1,151)
10,849
(6,013)
(6,012)
(456)
(456)
(2,157)
1,711
-
18,000
(3,319)
3,311
(852)
148
(5,576)
5,223
(1,804)
4,734
(3,763)
1,237
-
4,000
(200)
(200)
(390)
(390)
(39,174)
42,451
(399,572)
66,112

Each of the restricted funds is made up of a mixture of grant funding for specific projects as outlined below by the name given to each individual fund:

Office Cabin - grant for site enhancement. Volunteer Hub - grant for volunteer support. Bee Keeping - grant for site enhancement. Reserves - grant for reserves. Memory Pathways - grant for Older Weekly Participants. Secure Storage Units - grant for site enhancement. Sensory Garden & Pond - grant for site enhancement, Shady Shelter - grant for site enhancement. Potting Shed & Office Extension - grant for site enhancement. Alpine Bed - grant for site enhancement. Black Poplar Conservation - grant for increasing stock. Welcome Area - grant for site enhancement. Sound and Light Area - grant for site enhancement. Young People (16-24) - grant for short programmes for young people. Rill (Sensory Garden) - grant for site enhancement. Core (Volunteer Admin) - grant for volunteer support.

continued...

Page 58

Lindengate

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 December 2020

9. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

ADS & Complex Needs - grant for weekly programme for complex needs. Act Foundation - grant for site enhancement. Wildflower Development - grant for site enhancement. Kitchen Garden - grant for site enhancement. Butterfly Conservation - grant for site enhancement. Giants Armchair Terrace - grant for site enhancement. Companion Seating - grant for site enhancement. Woodworking Facility - grant for building woodworking cabin. Complex Needs - grant for complex needs programmes. Vulnerable Women - Tampon Tax Heart of Bucks grant. Tools & Equipment - grant for purchase of tools and equipment. Groundworks - grant for site enhancement. You've LGF - grant for short programmes for young people. Polytunnel Conservation - grant for polytunnel expenditure. IT/ CRM - grant for IT equipment purchase. New Office Block - grant for site enhancement. Nature Connection - grant for short programme Nature Connection for all ages. Outdoor Furniture - grant for site enhancement. iPads - T equipment purchase. Memory Garden - grant for site enhancement. Rest & Reflect - grant for people requiring rest and reflection. Through the Gate - grant for short programme for apprentice volunteers. Support the Supporter - grant for short programme for carers Digger - grant for purchase of tools and equipment.

10. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 December 2020 (2019: £NIL).

Page 59

Lindengate

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities
for the Year Ended 31 December 2020
31.12.20 31.12.19
£ £
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and legacies
Gifts 11,571 8,980
Donations 110,372 55,233
Grants 186,224 272,263
308,167 336,476
Charitable activities
Fees from gardeners 119,632 111,859
Other income
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme 39,756 -
Commercial fundraising income 150 17,349
39,906 17,349
Total incoming resources 467,705 465,684
EXPENDITURE
Raising donations and legacies
Social security 2,214 2,990
Pensions 5,219 1,408
Fundraising event costs 3,311 7,086
Promotional costs 13,181 5,790
23,925 17,274
Charitable activities
Wages 297,043 287,455
Hire of plant and machinery 1,423 -
Other operating leases 2,000 2,000
Rates and water 1,570 6,610
Gardener costs 10,310 5,705
Volunteer costs 3,361 6,258
Site development 2,107 2,785
Site maintenance and consumables 8,183 30,775
325,997 341,588
Support costs
Management
Insurance 3,498 2,694
Other costs 1,394 723
Carried forward 4,892 3,417

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Page 60

Lindengate

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities
for the Year Ended 31 December 2020
31.12.20 31.12.19
£ £
Management
Brought forward 4,892 3,417
Training 9,649 3,374
Office costs 12,522 8,054
Plant and machinery 10,428 9,479
37,491 24,324
Governance costs
Auditors' remuneration 1,496 1,425
Accountancy and legal fees 20,671 13,591
Professional fees - 1,370
22,167 16,386
Total resources expended 409,580 399,572
Net income 58,125 66,112

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Page 61