1. Registered Educational Objects

The Trust is a registered charity (#1174239). The stated Objects under the terms of its governing document, as approved by the Charity Commission, being:

 

1. To advance education in the subjects of horticulture and conservation in particular but not exclusively by providing study courses, training placements and workshops.

 

2. Such charitable purposes for the public benefit as are charitable according to the laws of England and Wales as the trustees may from time to time determine.

  


2.  Procedural Notes

(i) All programmes take place at different times/days. Thus students from different agencies do not overlap .

 

(ii) Placements for those age 16-18 is by special arrangement.     

 

(iii) All programmes take place under our strict guideline regardng:   Risk Assessments; Code of Conduct; Health & Safety;  Student Welfare; Accidents, and other safeguarding/ care procedures. Students confirm their receipt of hard copy of all documents. 


(iv) All students are given a full induction covering:  risks, health &  safety, protective items, best practice, etc.



3.  Foreign Students Placements

Objects:

This provides a unique opportunity for foreign students age 18-27 to visit England for a short time. Here they can learn a range of skills in horticulture, conservation, art & design, and other subjects, immerse themselves in and learn about British culture and society. And take part in local community activities. Usual period of stay is between and 2 and 8 weeks. Some students are sent to the Trust by their college on an internship as part of their course studies.

 

It also provides an opportunity for local people to meet students from different cultures and backgrounds and increase their understanding of the world, and form friendships. The foreign student can also improve their English language, visit places of historical & cultural interest; familiarise themselves with Britsh society & customs and make new friends.

 

Subjects & Activities

 

1. Horticulture, arboriculture, landscape design, wildlife habitats.

 

2. Local conservation & wildlife.

 

3. Local landscape & geography & their historic parameters.

 

4. English language improvement.

 

5. British history, heritage and traditions.

 

6. Access to the extensive Library of the Trust.

 

7. Visits/studies of local architecture & venues/places of cultural & historic interest.

 

Ethos

 

• To improve international friendship and break down barriers.

 

• To promote cultural understanding between different peoples and lands throughout the world.

 

 • To enable people travelling on a limited budget to fully appreciate living and studying in a foreign environment.

 

• To enrich our local UK community by contact and with foreign students.

 

• To promote exchange and communication between people from different nationalities.

 

• To enable language learners to immerse themselves in their target language whilst living abroad.

 

So far our many visitors have come from : Switzerland, U.S.A., France, Germany, South Korea, Italy, Hungary.


4.   U. K. Universities

As part of its work to engage with and offer opportunities to various sectors of society, the Stephen Cox Garden  Trust (registered charity number 1174239) is now linked to several UK universities.

These are: Bath Spa University, Bristol University, University of the West of England, Bath University.

 

The association is via all of their student unions volunteering  networks and portals.  The scheme the Trust has for these students is for :

(i) Students who want to do volunteering.

(ii) Those requiring activities/experience base for degree course work.

(iii) Individuals simply wishing to pursue an interest or develop new skills.

(iv) Wanting to meet students from different countries and cultures.

(v) Vacation internships.

 

The timetables are flexible and the activities, subjects and skills range for participation are quite wide and include all aspects if horticulture; design; landscaping; conservation; crafts; heritage; film & photography; media & marketing.

 

 

5. Special Education Support

 In association with Wiltshire County Council, The Trust offers placements for individuals with learning difficulties to gain skills and build their confidence, coming for half a day a week under the direct care of their supervisor sent from the Council. The Trust provides the garden as a resource and introduces skills and activities to the qualified supervisor and client who then undertake the activity on their own.,  This then continues until the individual feels ready to start a job or go to college. Tuition is provided.

 

 

The garden is a calm, unstressed environment ideally suited to those who may not feel ready for college or work or group situations. Here they can get skills,  study, gain confidence. Individuals can apply with the support of their parents or college to make themselves ready for moving on.


6. Unemployed Opportunities 

It is not always easy to get stated in life. We can sometimes take a wrong direction in life, or just can't seem to get on. Sometime we take a wrong turning or wish ti develop new skills to change our direction.

 

Special programmes have been created for unemployed people age 18-25. This provides: learning various skills; cv improving; confidence building; communication, work ethic, initiative and responsibility, citizen ethos.

Various skills can be learnt: gardening, art and crafts, painting and decorating,  conservation

 

The atmosphere in non-formal and supportive. Half a day or one day a week or more.

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