A potted history of the Sunflower Garden Project from 2003 - 2006

February 2006

The Sunflower Garden project are asking for support for their postcard campaign to members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs). Supplies of the cards can be obtained from the project and it is hoped that this will increase awareness of the need for similar projects all round Scotland.

The Christmas concert went very well, with a number of schools represented. A selection of songs, instrumentals and movement pieces was interspersed with carols sung by the congregation. A lunch was offered after the service, along with a tour of the project's premises.

The project is highlighting the purpose of their art therapy.

November 2005

The project manager at the Sunflower Garden, Glenn Liddall, was pleased to announce that the project had secured 50 per cent of their long term funding (beyond the three-year period of Guild support) from Lloyds TSB Drugs Partnership Initiative. Other grants had also been obtained. Glenn acknowledged that the project would not have happened without Guild support.

The grandparents' group is holding weekly meetings and has had publicity for its work through various magazines and articles. The project also benefits from art therapy and social work students undertaking placements there.

The annual Christmas concert takes place at St Andrew's and St George's Church, George Street, Edinburgh, on Wednesday 7th December at 10.30am.

August 2005

The Sunflower Garden Project has always acknowledged that the problems faced by families affected by drugs misuse are not confined to Edinburgh: in the future they will be promoting their work to local authorities, drug action teams and health boards around Scotland. This should lead to the development of similar services in other parts of the country. The project encourages Guild members to lobby their members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) on this matter. It is hoped postcards will be produced shortly to help with this.

The grandparents' group has continued to grow and expand, and a drop-in facility is now available, staffed by the grandparents themselves, a few days per week. This group has also been asked to share their experiences with social work students at Edinburgh University.

The project hopes to gain funding from the city council to run a summer holiday activity group aimed at raising children’s self esteem.

February 2005

The Sunflower Garden's second carol concert was a wonderful event. Pupils from four schools took part, with performances ranging from contemporary dance to carols and string arrangements. An offering was taken for the project and lunch followed, along with a tour of the project's premises in Queen Street, Edinburgh.

A couple of children's groups are now up and running which include a variety of activities; painting, games, music and story telling. The grandparents' group recently organised a meeting to discuss and plan how to support their grandchildren. This meeting had input from a number of quarters including social services and the Scottish Parliament.

Building work, including a new kitchen and the creation of an additional room has been ongoing in the Sunflower Garden's basement.

November 2004

New staff members have joined the project, including Kate, who is the new administrator.

An appeal is made for some volunteer helpers, including taxi escorts for the young people, and those able to undertake odd jobs, such as gardening.

A grandparents' group has started and its support network is proving invaluable. The massage group is developing and following the success of the first children's groups, follow-up groups are being offered as well as one to one support for individual children.

Winners of the sunflower competition have been announced, and the Christmas concert will be on 8 December 2004.

August 2004

An independent researcher has evaluated the work of one of the children's groups at the Sunflower Garden. Following a range of interviews with children, staff and the parents, it seems that the children were reluctant to talk about drug issues in the family with the parents concerned. The professionals noted increased confidence in the children who had taken part.

New staff are being recruited for the project and it is hoped that the Sunflower Garden would soon have its own crèche for clients. Volunteers are requested for this. Taxi escorts are also required.

February 2004

Commenting on the official launch of the project, at the Christmas concert in December, Glenn Liddall, the project's founder, stated: "It was a day to remember. I think the concert will become an annual event which will help raise awareness and funds for the project."

A new children's worker has taken up her post and is helping to run a group which can help children become resilient and happy people.

Guild members are asked to remember in their prayers: all the parents receiving counselling; the children in the groups; the young people soon to be joining the Growing Confidently workshops and the infant massage group.

November 2003

A recent BBC television survey showed that teenagers today feel undervalued. This low self-esteem can lead to people sabotaging their own health and wellbeing. Young people affected in this way are more likely to turn to alcohol and drugs. Research has shown that programmes designed to increase self-esteem can change young people’s attitudes to drugs. A programme, Growing Confidently, has been developed to work with young people, just as they enter secondary school, and hopes to stop them starting on a cycle of drug and substance abuse.

The Sunflower Garden Project will be officially launched at 10am on 9 December 2003 with a service in St Andrew’s and St George’s Church in Edinburgh. There will be festive performances from school children from across the city.

The project recently held its first Volunteer Induction Day and welcomed three new members to the team. Another welcome addition is the Sunflower Bear. To be sold in aid of the project, these lovely bears are available directly from Simpson House, on 0131 220 2488.

September 2003

The first staff and volunteers for the Sunflower Garden Project have been recruited and induction and training has been taking place. In addition, new systems and procedures have been set up. By October, when senior project worker Glenn Liddall, returns from paternity leave, many of the groups planned for children, mums, dads and grandparents will be starting.

Glenn is also launching a drugs education and self-esteem building group for children starting secondary school.

A pilot group run for children aged eight to 11, gave valuable feedback and another group will run for 8 children, starting in the winter.

It is hoped to replace the kitchen with part of the money raised by the Guild. Preparing a meal offers the children an opportunity to learn not just about safety and cookery, but also have a sense of achievement, receive praise for their work and builds self-esteem.