Perennial works closely with The RHS to support exhibitors during RHS Chelsea build

Perennial, the UK’s only charity supporting everyone in the horticulture industry, has been working closely with The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) in the run up to this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show, providing insight and access to support for everyone involved in the build process for this prestigious event.

Show builds can be intense - long days, changeable weather, tight deadlines and a lot of people relying on each other, all of which can create stress, even for the most experienced teams.

In the run up to the build Perennial has run pre-event webinars with florists, nurseries, suppliers and landscaper groups as well as contributing to various webinars. Emails have been sent to all exhibitors, wellbeing information added to the exhibitor’s portal and Perennial’s posters will be around the build site. As a result, everyone involved in the build has access to Perennial’s information on recognising any early signs of stress and burn out, how to support each other and Perennial's build specific physiotherapy provision.

Working with existing charity Partners with experience of exhibiting at the world-famous flower show, Perennial have pulled together helpful information on how to successfully manage stress. Their advice includes: 

When timelines are tight the basics matter. Small, practical actions can help people stay safer, steadier and better supported through long days. 
- Plan ahead
- Talk to others
- Ask for help—share what you’re dealing with
- Check in on each other
- Remind your team to check in with their family and support network
- Build in different routines where possible (long hours can take a toll)
- Eat well
- Keep hydrated—and remind others to do the same
- Use a buddy system within your team—be there for each other
- Prepare for the worst of the weather—sun and rain
- Keep first aid kits accessible
- Take a minute to pause and reset
- Make use of Perennial’s wellbeing app for a wide range of support, including a 24/7 helpline.

Helen Waddington, Director of Services at Perennial says “Any preshow build can be a very busy time with huge amounts of teamwork and effort going into creating the showstopping gardens and displays. This can carry its own stress as teams pull out all the stops to complete their designs in time for show opening. Perennial will be on site to support the build, in the exhibitors hall and walking around site in our branded high vis. Whether you’re feeling the pressure yourself or worried about a colleague, a quick conversation can make a real difference and we can also point you towards further confidential support.”
To find out more about Perennial and how their services can support everyone facing challenges in horticulture visit perennial.org.uk/ways-we-help.