Help sustain green therapy programmes and double your donation through The Big Give

A Southbourne charity providing life-changing horticultural therapy to vulnerable children and adults is hoping it can raise £4,000 which will be doubled by The Big Give, as rising costs has left it in ‘a really difficult financial position’.

Tuppenny Barn is one of a growing number of UK charities struggling with mounting costs and declining donations. Recent figures suggest that 70% of charities across the country are currently operating in deficit.

Increases in national insurance contributions and the national minimum wage have added £30,000 annually to their operating costs. Utility bills have soared, with water charges jumping 46% - what were once £20-30 bills now arrive at £200. Tuppenny Barn founder Maggie Haynes said: "It is a case of where do we get that from? Life is extremely tough for us financially as a charity - similar to most charities of our size.”

The Big Give is an opportunity for the charity to access match funding up to £4,000, doubling donations to £8,000 if the target is reached by December 9. The funds will go towards running costs, as well as ensuring that its horticultural therapy programmes can continue.

Tuppenny Barn started out providing educational programmes for children around growing organic food and healthy eating in 2005. Twenty years on, it now runs six green therapy programmes, including for young carers, female veterans and vulnerable adults who may be out of work, isolated or living with mental health issues.

"It is life changing for those vulnerable adults and children," said Maggie. “We’re seeing high levels of mental ill health in Sussex with 14.4 % registered locally having a mental health disorder. Being outdoors and in nature is proven to be beneficial to everyone. In our increasingly hyper-connected work, engagement with nature and green spaces is diminishing. We want to inspire children, young people and support vulnerable adults living with disabilities, ill health, or those facing isolation, disadvantage to grow and eat healthy, sustainable food and spend time outside reconnecting with nature.”

Despite the impact of these services, which are free to access, donations and funding streams have started to decrease.

“It is quite noticeable,” she said, adding that at the charity's recent Festive Wine Fair, attendance dropped to less than half of last year's 96 visitors. The charity's annual Christmas dinner hamper collection for a local school with vulnerable families, has received fewer contributions this year.

Maggie has urged supporters to donate to The Big Give, as well as supporting the charity’s shop and Christmas Market.

The Christmas Market will be held on Sunday, December 7 from 11am to 4pm, and will include natural festive wreaths, Christmas hampers, preserves and handmade gifts, and artisan goods from local makers.

"The difference between us and other markets is we make sure all the stallholders have the same values, having grown or made it themselves, and they’re all artisan producers," Maggie said.

The shop opens each Thursday from 9am to 4pm, and on Saturday mornings, selling fresh, organic produce, preserves, cut flowers, plants, honey, artisan bread and pastries.

"If you want to support us, come and use the shop, not just over the festive season but January through to April," Maggie said.

To support Tuppenny Barn and see your donation doubled through match-funding, donate through The Big Give by Monday, December 9, by visiting: tuppennybarn.co.uk