Our Story...
……started with a flat roof. A flat roof in our children’s school. Always interested in creating better green communal spaces, we thought it was the perfect place to start a new garden. With a small enclosed art workshop beside the garden on the roof, it was perfect for children – safe, fun and with wonderful views for miles. And so think outside was born.
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In the 8 years since, we have run different projects across Wandsworth and as far afield as Paddington and London Zoo! We have worked in many primary and secondary schools in Wandsworth and Lambeth, a care home, Springfield Hospital, community centres, churches, colleges, street fairs and even a sports ground!
We tailor classes to suit those we work with. We are flexible. We can run one-off workshops if asked and typically commit with schools and colleges to lead longer courses. We are experienced fund-raisers for different community projects and have been successful in securing grants from a wide range of providers.
Many of our projects involve a significant element of voluntary work – not just us but also parents, friends and relatives who are always amazed not only by how much they have enjoyed themselves but by what they have achieved in our activities.
We hope you enjoy reading our website and would love to hear from you.
Meet the Team
Founder & Director
Beata Allen
Beata arrived in the UK 28 years ago. She worked as a Civil Engineer and project Manager for Surrey County Council and the Environment Agency before starting think outside to share her passion for the environment, sustainability and healthy living with other people. Nutrition is a very important part of Beata's life and she is convinced that we can grow healthy adults by starting to teach about correct food choices in early childhood - children respond amazingly well to tasting home/school grown food! She is a Forest School Leader, a qualified paediatric First Aider and holds relevant Food Safety qualifications.
Admin & Finance
Keith Allen
With a background in finance and media and a former Chair of Governors at a local primary school, Keith joined think outside in 2017. He has always taken a keen interest in developments in education and politics more widely. Keith is responsible for think outside’s administration, accounting and fund-raising.
Workshop Assistant
Charlie Allen
Charlie spent 2022 home-schooling - an opportunity to learn more gardening by running classes for think outside with all primary school age groups. She is passionate about art and crafts, performing arts and has even volunteered every week at a local farm to learn more about the outdoor life!
Social Media & Volunteer Coordinator
Weronika Stelmach
A chemist by background (focusing on organic chemistry), Weronika spent a year in Germany and speaks 3 languages. She is an enthusiastic vegan cook and enjoys swimming and wind-surfing if there is any wind! She is particularly interested in mycology and wants to help think outside with its eco-communication: sharing its inspiring message with as wide an audience as possible.