A funding boost from an automotive manufacturing trust is enabling people involved in a Derbyshire homelessness project to cultivate their own fresh produce. The financial injection has paid for new raised vegetable beds at a dedicated day centre in Ilkeston.
New Raised Beds and Expanded Garden
Project participants have already used the support to construct wooden raised beds. They plan to expand their existing vegetable patch to grow enough produce for healthy meals at the centre. The housing trust provides accommodation to around 1,200 people annually across five counties who would otherwise be homeless.
Activities and Mental Health Benefits
The garden centre is attended by residents and others referred through addiction recovery services. It offers activities including gardening, bicycle maintenance, workshop crafts, cooking, and group walks. Many participants, who have experienced difficult times, find gardening beneficial for their mental health. Volunteers have created a space with a greenhouse, vegetable patches, a pond, and seating areas. One regular helper travels daily by bus to work in the garden.
Participant Testimonials
Chris Lancashire, a gardener, said: “I want to eat what I grow. No chemicals, no nothing. My dad was a gardener. Back in the day, you couldn’t afford fresh vegetables. It’s nice when you can come down into the garden and see that they are ready. You know where it’s come from and you’re not relying on a supermarket.” He added that the project is brilliant for his wellbeing: “It means my mind doesn’t go adrift. They just let you get on with things. There’s always somebody to talk to.”
Funding Details
Wayne Straw, a resident, commented: “I do enjoy coming down here. Raised beds make it a lot easier. You just come here and get stuck in.” Since 1992, the manufacturing trust has donated over £8.5 million to charities near its regional plants. This year, the housing charity received a share of a £405,000 funding pot. Richard Finchett, a trustee, said: “We are extremely proud to support some amazing causes, including Derventio Housing Trust’s Growing Lives project, a fantastic activity making a difference in our local communities.”
Organiser Comments and Open Day
Sarah Hernandez, managing director of Derventio Housing Trust, continued: “We are very proud of our Growing Lives project and the huge benefits it brings to residents and others referred to our service. It’s well known that getting stuck into practical tasks like gardening can be very beneficial for mental health and being out in nature has so many proven benefits. Growing our own fruit and vegetables is clearly a great thing to do for wellbeing and nutritional benefit too.” She added: “We are delighted to have been given funding through Toyota to pay for these raised beds and we know how much they are already being used and valued.” Organisers invite the public to a community open day at the site on Wednesday, July 15, from 1 Grenville Drive, Ilkeston, with free entry, craft activities, guinea pig meetings, and food prepared by the team. For questions, email info@derventiohousing.com.
