Sahar is originally from Sudan and is currently seeking asylum in the UK. Since arriving, she has been attending English classes with LEAH to improve her language skills, meet new people, and become more confident in her new community. When she heard about a volunteering and gardening trip to Bushy Park, Sahar decided to take part, seeing it as an opportunity to try something new and connect with others.
The Trip
On the day of the trip, Sahar joined a group of LEAH students at the bus stop, where Savannah, our ESOL and Activities Coordinator, greeted them warmly and guided them to the Learning Centre at Bushy Park. At first, Sahar felt a little nervous about what to expect, but meeting Fiona, the Volunteer Officer, quickly put her at ease. Fiona’s friendly welcome and clear instructions helped Sahar and the group settle in and feel comfortable in the new environment.
The morning began with gardening tasks such as clearing out old plants, removing dead vegetables, and preparing the soil for replanting. Sahar especially enjoyed seeing the butternut squashes that were still growing in the beds – she was delighted to take one home at the end of the day.
During the tea and sandwich break, Sahar took the opportunity to chat with her classmates, practice her English, and share stories about her home country. This social part of the day helped her feel more relaxed and part of the group.
In the afternoon, the tasks continued with planting garlic, labelling seed packets, and sowing new seeds in the freshly prepared beds. Sahar’s favourite part was learning how to plant garlic – a new and enjoyable skill for her. She worked collaboratively with others, showing enthusiasm and care for the plants and her teammates.
Reflection and Outcome
Before the trip, Sahar said she felt “excited and was thinking about trying something new.” Afterward, she reflected that she felt “happy” and proud of what she had achieved. The experience not only introduced her to the world of volunteering but also boosted her confidence and sense of belonging in her local community.
Sahar now hopes to volunteer again at Bushy Park when new opportunities become available. The trip helped her see how small community activities can bring people together, improve wellbeing, and build valuable n new skills.
October 2025