Based at New Leaf in Exminster, Hillcrest Branch offers vocational support and work training opportunities for people who are living with mental health issues but are serious about seeking employment. The aim of the practical vocational training programme run by Hillcrest Branch Limited is to deliver to its trainees a wide range of vocational skills using the medium of horticulture.

This is a vocational skills training programme rather than an educational course in horticulture, although there are possibilities of studying for an NVQ in horticulture whilst on placement.

The main focus of the service is to provide trainees with a supportive and positive environment in which they can develop a bespoke set of skills that they as individuals require to help them find employment.

On induction, trainees will be helped to identify personal issues that could be improved, in order to help them find and retain employment. From this, targets will be set that will give the company and the trainee a focus for their placement with Hillcrest Branch. These outcomes will be monitored by regular reviews between the trainee, Hillcrest Branch and Workways.

It is hoped that by the end of their placements the trainees, through their own motivation and commitment, will feel that they have received valuable vocational experience and achieved the targets they originally defined on induction.

The company would like to provide its trainees with a written reference, which will reflect the progress they have made and which can be presented to potential employers during their search for employment.

Each trainee is expected to commit to their placement in blocks of four months at a time. These blocks are renewable for up to a year in total.

The method of delivery will vary depending on factors such as seasonality and weather conditions.

Placements are available free of charge to anyone registered with a GP who is living with mental health issues.

Join the 'practical vocational training programme'.

If you are interested in joining the 'practical vocational training programme' you will need to make an application to Workways who will make a referral to Hillcrest Branch on your behalf. If you meet the criteria you will be invited to Exminster for an informal visit, you will be asked to fill out an application form and provide a CV.

Workways are available to help you complete any part of this process.

Trainee application from

Workways Application Form