Planting Positive Seeds of Growth in the Community

A grant for £2000 has been received by Ward End Community Allotment to help grow its project to get teenagers off the streets and reconnecting with nature. The community allotment, which has come to the end of its first season, will use the funds to buy a new greenhouse and equipment.

Local mental health worker, Hassan Ali, set up the project as part of the Britannia Youth Organisation CIC and applied to IM Properties’ Peddimore Community Fund, which helps local organisations create social impact in the areas surrounding its Minworth scheme.

The Ward End Community Allotment provides positive early intervention to engage young people in a safe and secure environment in the Alum Rock area.

“Many of our seedlings failed from being grown directly in the ground,” says Hassan “By cultivating them in the greenhouse, we’re hoping to produce a far bigger crop.

“Saying that, we did enjoy sweetcorn, strawberries, tomatoes and pumpkins this year and the young people were really intrigued to see them growing and taste the fruits of their labour.”

Located in Burnley Lane, Alum Rock, the community allotment has stimulated interest in the other neighbouring plots, with families of the 30 young people involved also taking on their own.

“We’re creating a whole new community on the allotments where many had previously been neglected. People are coming along and seeing what we’re doing and thinking, you know what, why don’t we give it a go.

“The older, seasoned potholders are sharing their knowledge with us and on the Queen’s Jubilee we all came together to share in the produce and have a community BBQ.

“Being in a deprived area where obesity, diabetes and osteoporosis is a real issue, we are able to talk about nutrition and show young people how they can cook and show a tasty, healthier alternative to fast food.

“Working alongside each other, we are all developing new skills including teambuilding and communication as well as helping people to take responsibility for themselves and their own local environment.”

Kerry Amory social value manager for IM Properties said Hassan is an extremely positive role model in the community and is confident the grant will have a significant impact on the lives of people looking after the allotment.

“We’re always so impressed by organisations run by people like Hassan who put so much into these projects. He clearly cares about his community and is using his passion and skills to the greatest of effect.

“We’ve supported several allotments and we really see the benefits of how they bring communities together and, in this case, play a vital role in trying to divert young people away from anti-social behaviour.

“We look forward to seeing what a second season brings to the Ward End Community Allotment.”

Further information on the grants available are at https://www.heartofenglandcf.co.uk/peddimore-community-fund.