Join our community!
We are a member-led organisation with an amazing team coming from a variety of backgrounds and ages across East and West Sussex. The strength of Living Vital comes from creating a space that allows our members to share skills, knowledge and ideas along with experiencing connection, purpose and integration with all beings.
We have achieved a lot so far and this could not have been done without the hard work and support of our many members. As the scope of our projects continue to shift and grow there continues to be many ways to support our work.
Our garden is open to anyone and everyone who wants to be stewards of the land, learn and share skills, take home some good food & be part of creating a supportive community…..a place people can come to relax and unwind from the daily/weekly grind and be surrounded by nature.
Find out how you can get involved below…
“I love learning more and more with such an inspiring team. It’s a project that creatively inspires and creates a place of sanctuary for both plants and people. After working with other refugee charities, I’ve learned that outdoor spaces (like this) are invaluable for a sense of belonging and community” – Sophie
What would you be doing?
Activities are dependant on a variety of factors including, the weather, season and any ongoing larger projects but some of the things you might expect to be involved in are:
- Food growing: seed sowing, planting out, tending to the garden.
- Cooking: get involved with cooking lunch for the group – Saturday sessions only (using produce from the garden when it’s available).
- Woodcraft & building: have the chance to use tools to make and create things for the garden.
- Meditation & deep ecology: join in with beautiful and calming morning sessions to deepen their practice of nature connection and attunement to the Earth.
You don’t require any previous experience as our friendly and welcoming session leaders will always be on hand to give you explanations and guidance at all times.
When do sessions run?
Generally garden sessions run:
- Every Thursday and,
- Every other Saturday.
You’re welcome to come when you like, as often or as little as you like, and get involved with anything that takes your fancy on the day. We have a jobs board each session listing Gentle, Moderate, and Energetic jobs so you can find what suits you.
Sessions with Voice in Excile
Throughout the year we host groups from Voices in Exile refugee project in Brighton & Hove.
These session predominately focus around cooking plant-based dishes together while allowing participants an opportunity to meet members of the local community, practise their English and share their culinary and horticultural skills.
What will you gain from your experience with us?
- The chance to learn about food growing, from seed sowing to harvesting and everything in between
- Plant-based cooking with our groups from Voices in Exile
- You’ll be part of a community group that is supporting the refugee community in Brighton & Hove
- You’ll get the opportunity to be creative by getting involved with designing the garden if you wish, but no pressure
- The opportunity to be outside in beautiful surroundings and work in nature – the best gym ever!
- Meet lots of new people
- Attend an induction that will include health and safety training
Final things to know
- Please note that while we recognise the therapeutic benefits of working in nature, we do not offer any kind of direct therapeutic service to our volunteers or participants, but we will offer basic training as when it may be required working alongside our participants
- Unfortunately, we do not have funding to cover transport costs currently
- The garden can only currently be accessed by foot over uneven terrain from the car park/bus stop – it is unfortunately not yet suitable for those using mobility aids, but this is something we are looking at changing in the future to make our garden as accessible as possible