Tom Marshall
George Beazley-Long
What do you love about being part of Routeways?
I love meeting all the different people who come and enjoy the garden. Everyone has a different connection to gardening, they are personal yet universal experiences which means no matter how old you are, where you’re from, who you love, etc, everybody can find common ground when it comes to gardening and enjoying nature. And there are always new things to learn and new people to teach.
George Beazley-Long
What made you want to get involved?
I have loved gardening for a very long time and thought the only way I could do it professionally was if I set up my own business, which I never wanted to do, so being given the opportunity to work at Routeways was a blessing. Not only did it mean gardening as my job, but I got to do it for people who would really benefit from it. Working with young people with disabilities and learning difficulties was not something I considered doing prior to working here. I never really considered how it would coincide with gardening, but getting the opportunity to make a safe, supportive and fun space for these young people has turned out to be such a fulfilling privilege in my life.
George Beazley-Long
How does it feel being part of Routeways?
I feel very lucky that I am able to do the thing that I love, which is gardening, while also having it benefit people as well as the local environment.
George Beazley-Long
How does it feel knowing that you are helping your local wildlife?
I feel very proud that I have been able to create a good balance of wildlife gardening and more traditional gardening in our garden, allowing space for our young people to play outside as well as space for wildflowers to grow and wildlife to thrive. It is also great seeing the local biodiversity appear to improve, as each year I have worked here we have spotted more and more birds, bugs and other critters enjoying the garden.
George Beazley-Long
How do you feel when you see wildlife benefitting/using the space you have created?
When I see bees buzzing around the orchard trees' blossoms or the birds flying in and out of our birdhouses, I feel very satisfied, accomplished and reaffirmed in my gardening because I know I have created a nurturing environment for wildlife - and being in quite an urban area makes it even more satisfying.
George Beazley-Long
How does it feel working alongside people in your community?
Playing a part in the community is a real pleasure, and being in a network of like-minded people and organisations where we all share ideas, resources and a helping hand when needed makes me feel like our (relatively small) garden is a part of something larger. Additionally, as a member of the LGBT+ community, it is always a privilege to be able to speak and have my voice heard.
George Beazley-Long
Did you know anyone before you joined Routeways?
Not a soul, in fact I had only recently moved to Plymouth at the time so the only person I knew in the entire city was my boyfriend, who I was living with. I had just finished university, studying Horticulture Plant Science at the Eden Project, and was searching for a job during all the lockdowns and quarantines - which was a struggle to say the least. I had to go on universal credit and it was through a Jobcentre scheme called Kickstart that I found my job at Routeways. I remember my interview being the first time in many months that I spoke face-to-face with a new person, so I was obviously very nervous but then very happy when I was given the role.
George Beazley-Long
What does it mean to you to be able to bring your full authentic self to work? How does it make you feel?
Routeways is such a welcoming and supportive place to work, not just to our service users but also the staff. I am very thankful that I can come to work and feel at home here, surrounded by friendly and supportive colleagues, and that I am able to express myself in my work.
George is the Head Gardener at Routeways, a Plymouth based charity that supports children, young people, families and individuals to overcome disadvantage. You can find out more about their work here.
