Following funding from Safer Communities Partnership we have launched a gardening club for service users at our day centre Springboard. We have some basic but important aims for the activity.

1. Provide a safe and sure pleasant garden area for all the service users.
2. To provide healthy nutritious vegetables for the service users to use throughout our service.
3. Help people to become more active in the community physically and socially.
4. To build self esteem and self worth.
5. Enjoy outdoor activity.

Some people who are homeless or vulnerably housed feel isolated and rejected from the community and hopefully through the garden club they will meet other people. Being physically active in a safe environment helps people engage in meaningful activity, away from potentially negative behaviours.

Over the last few months, the Garden Club has been busy clearing the very overgrown site and creating raised beds for the vegetables.  We have purchased a greenhouse and built a BBQ, and have also created a wildlife pond and a lawned seating area for service users to enjoy.  

We have also created a remembrance rose garden to for service users to pay tribute to some of their peers who have sadly passed away as a result of their homelessness and social exclusion.

If you are interested in sponsoring our garden or donating any equipment or plants, please do not hesitate to contact Springboard on 01423 525384