Horticulture trade charity Perennial enjoyed a successful time at the recent IOG SALTEX with four new Perennial Partners signing up at the show, including turf maintenance specialist Rigby Taylor.

Becoming a Perennial Partner is an easy way for companies and individuals to show their support by making an annual donation at the level appropriate for their business. Other businesses to join the scheme during SALTEX were CED Natural Stone, Eco Clean Tech Ltd and Ginger Horticulture.

Perennial helps all horticulturists and their families throughout the year when they have nowhere else to turn, but during the winter months, help is often needed all the more. The charity sees an annual uplift in calls from those struggling to keep warm and fed during the winter, particularly the self-employed and the elderly. Perennial would like to appeal to everyone in the turfcare industries to help spread the word about its services and how it can help.

Peter Mills (pictured above right) has worked in the industry for over 30 years. He contacted Perennial in 2014 after a serious accident at work left him severely injured and unable to work. He describes the help he and his family have received as invaluable and believes more can be done to raise awareness of the support services Perennial provides.

“I’ve worked in horticulture for over 30 years but never dreamed I would need their services or help. But 18 months ago I suffered a double spiral fraction in my leg when I fell at work. It put me completely out of action for 10 months. I am self-employed and as the main wage earner, with a young family, the loss of income was devastating.

“It was during one of my really low points that I was reminded about Perennial. I made a call and it changed my life. The Perennial caseworker who was assigned to my case seemed to swoop in and sort us out. She was brilliant. She helped with statutory benefits, made an immediate financial grant payment to help with debts that had built up, helped us buy our children a Christmas present and helped with winter fuel costs. Even after I returned to work, she stayed in touch and made sure we were safe and well.

“I would urge anyone who is struggling to make ends meet, or is worried about their financial situation, particularly over winter, to make the call to Perennial as every little bit helps. Their advice is completely confidential and free – you won’t regret it.”

To find out more about becoming a Perennial Partner, visit www.perennial.org.uk or contact Laura Garnett at lgarnett@perennial.org.uk