Supporting the horticulture industry in 2026

Perennial is the UK’s only charity supporting everyone working in or retired from the horticultural community.   

We know that working in horticulture isn’t always straightforward. Challenges such as seasonality of work, physical injury, isolated working or risk of financial hardship can arise when least expected. We provide a range of free, confidential advice and support services, both online and in-person, including a network of caseworkers and debt advisers across the UK, that assist horticulturists and their families when they need it. Increasingly we are supporting people between the ages of 27 and 50, many with younger families, as the cost-of-living crisis challenges finances, causing physical and mental health issues and relationship breakdowns.   

As the charity for the industry, it is vitally important to engage with employers and people who work in different sectors of horticulture, to listen to how needs may be changing. This ensures that our services can evolve and Perennial continues to be a safety net for people when they need us most. 

Listening to the industry is a priority for us in 2026. We will be attending trade shows across the UK where Perennial representatives will be on hand. We will also be attending discussion groups across the UK, and holding our own focus groups throughout the year: 

• Women in Hort: Helen Waddington, Director of Services, will be speaking at the Women in Hort conference at RHS Wisley on 3rd March and at The Daisy Nook Garden Centre near Manchester on 7th April.  We will also be holding our own focus group at York Gate Garden near Leeds in Spring this year – exact date to be confirmed - follow us on Linkedin @Perennial-GRBS to find out more.
• Tough at the Top – working with Perennial Ambassador Mark Gregory, we will be holding another discussion group with leaders from across the industry at the Glasshouse in Surrey in October.
• We are expanding our service provision in Scotland with an additional caseworker to support the specific needs of Scottish horticulturalists.
• Our online panel features 200 representatives from all sectors of horticulture. Through a monthly survey their highly valued expertise feeds into the delivery of our services. The focus of our next online survey is the experience of working in hort with neurodiversity, which is a direct result of insights gained during a recent focus group.  If you would like to be part of our online panel and share your expertise to help others, find out more at perennial.org.uk/support-us/online-panel.
• A key focus for 2026 is to increase our provision for supporting self-employed people in the industry. We need your feedback on our pilot scheme. If you would like to be involved in this important area please email support@perennial.org.uk.
• Our apprenticeship/student survey was shared with trainees across multiple sectors.  With over 100 people taking part, we are currently working on new provisions to specifically support people with the challenges they experience as they start their careers in horticulture.
• We are increasing access to mental health first aider provision tailored to the hort industry, to improve the wellbeing of everyone in our industry. Find out more about how your organisation can get involved at perennial.org.uk/mw-webinars

If you would like to know more about how we can support you and your employees, why not book a half hour webinar with our Services team, who will take you through the support we can provide. Contact the team at support@perennial.org.uk 

Looking for advice, information or support?   
Helpline 0800 093 8543  I  perennial.org.uk/contact-form   
General Enquiries: 0800 093 8510  I  info@perennial.org.uk 
Become a Perennial Partner: Email Phil on pswainston@perennial.org.uk