Over the past 55 years SCT has supported thousands of people in East London and beyond affected by homelessness and addiction.

We offer a recovery pathway of projects forming stepping-stones towards recovery and a positive life. 

Our Training & Development Centre, which is open to SCT residents and members of the wider recovery community, provides a range of therapeutic and practical courses to help students gain the confidence, skills and mindset they need to maintain their recovery and look to the future.

Our Green Flag Award-winning gardens are in the grounds of St Leonard’s Church, next to our hostel, Training & Development Centre, and two social enterprises.

Our gardening Tutor, Paul, and his volunteers help our gardening students learn how to sow seeds, grow their own vegetables, and keep things alive.

Students carry out a full range of gardening tasks including working in the greenhouse, pruning, weeding, preparing sowing beds, planting seeds and seedlings, collecting leaves for mulching, planting and redesigning flowerbeds.

During lockdown, when many other activities were unable to take place, gardening carried on and the tutor was able to support students while staying socially distanced. 

These classes are perfect for people who want to learn new things, get active and spend time outdoors, and, most importantly, have fun.

As one of our students said: ‘Gardening is all about turning over a new leaf – or leaves, as we have so many.  It’s a chance for new growth’.
 

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