Fundraising to refurbish facilities at Growing 2gether

Demand for our services at Growing 2gether – our therapeutic horticulture project – has meant that we have outgrown our kitchen and canteen facilities and are struggling to fit in all our volunteers, team members and service users.  They are also well past their best, having been equipped when we set up the project over 25 years ago!

We are currently fundraising to refurbish and improve some of our indoor spaces so that we have:

• more space to cook the lovely food we grow here
• space to eat together for all our volunteers and service users
• warmer, brighter indoor places for wet weather activities

At Growing 2gether we primarily support adults and young people living with learning disabilities, but also people who have physical disabilities or those struggling with mental health. Our site, at Cottismore Park near Kingsclere, includes greenhouses, allotments, an orchard and a wildlife education area as well as the canteen and kitchen, the workshop, and fully accessible toilet and shower facilities.

The project offers opportunities for supported volunteering, learning and training in skills-based activities.  We specialise in providing support to develop a person’s capacity to become a more skilled, independent and confident member of the community.  Supported volunteers are involved in all aspects of running the project including tidying the site, weeding, planting and harvesting vegetables, site and equipment maintenance, as well as undertaking small projects such as making hanging baskets.

With the planned changes, much of which will be carried by volunteers wherever possible, we will be able to improve the size and layout between our entrance/boot/locker room, and our kitchen/canteen, including adding a much-needed quiet area in one corner. The woodwork room will be relocated to the end of the building and will offer better natural lighting and ventilation, making it a more use-able and productive work-space.

We aim to undertake as much of the works ourselves as possible using our team of staff and skilled comunity volunteers.  Service users have already made a start on preparatory works, which have provided valuable opportunities to explore and learn new skills in a safe and supportive environment.

Fundraising is underway and The Good Exchange are currently offering to match fund donations, meaning we can double the value of public donations (up to the value of £5,000).

If you can help us with a donation to our project, to make a real difference to volunteers, the staff team and the service users at Growing 2gether, click here to take you to our fundraising appeal on The Good Exchange.