Ken has been volunteering at PIER for over two and a half years.
He has experienced homelessness in the past and became a Petrus service user.
Another service user at The Hub suggested that Ken should come and volunteer at PIER. Ken said: “I hated gardening, but I haven’t been off [the allotment] since. I love it here… I can’t stay in; I’ve got to be out. PIER keeps my occupied.
“It doesn’t matter what the weather is like, I’ll be here until I’ve finished what I’m doing”.
Gardening and volunteering are known to improvement mental and physical health. It’s also a great opportunity to meet new people. Ken said: “I’ve learnt loads and achieved loads since I’ve been here. We sow the seeds and watch them grow and harvest it when it’s ready. We enjoy it and we have a bit of banter”.
Ken has come along way over the years: “I used to go to the Hub every morning but now there’s a lot of people who deserve it more than me.
“Going to Tatton Park is great. It means a lot to take part in the Show. It’ll be a brilliant achievement and that’s what we’re working for”.
Ken, along with other Petrus volunteers, will be at the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park on Petrus’ Paradise garden.
Find about more about Tatton Park