PR Date: Friday, 18 December 2020 - 11:45am
A highly successful Letchworth based project that supports vulnerable and socially excluded people by getting them involved in gardening, has received funding from North Herts District Council’s (NHDC) Letchworth Committee.
Green Care Norton CIC received £400* for the installation of a new shed and portaloo at the site of their gardening project in Norton Road allotments, Letchworth. The shed will house the portaloo at a discreet spot at the allotments and allows individuals who previously wanted to take part but could not due to the lack of toilet facilities, to now attend gardening sessions and group activities.
This community-based project gives ongoing long-term support to local residents, helping them overcome social exclusion, loneliness, isolation and mental health issues. They also support participants in taking the first steps into paid employment through collaboration with partner organisations including settle Housing Association Tenancy Support, Job Centre Plus and Create Community Networks ‘Foundations 4 Work’ programme.
Green Care Norton CIC first launched in July 2019 and has previously received grants from NHDC to help with the purchase of a polytunnel, learning shed and installation of walkways to allow better access for those with mobility issues.
Ray Wilson, Director of Green Care Norton CIC said: “I would like to thank the NHDC Letchworth Committee for their tremendous support for Green Care at Norton. Lack of toilet facilities on the Norton site has been a real problem for our participants and the funding to provide this will make such a difference and encourage people to join us who up to now have been apprehensive about the lack of such facilities.”
Cllr Helen Oliver, Deputy Chair of the NHDC Letchworth Committee said: “This is such a fantastic project that brings positive change to people’s lives through the power of gardening. Not only do individuals learn and get hands-on with growing fruit, vegetables and flowers but it is an opportunity to make new friends and work as part of a team, creating a community around a shared endeavour. We are proud to support this project and wish them the best with their future work.”
To find out more about Community Grants and how community based organisations can apply, go to our Community Grants webpage.
*subject to completion of necessary formalities
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