Grant boost for garden schemes

Caption: SARH Customers from St George’s receive their Growing Grant certificate from Laura Turner, Customer Engagement Advisor.

Garden projects that will provide a haven for wildlife and healthy food have been given a £1000 boost.

Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) customers at St George’s and Doxey House Independent Living Schemes in Stafford applied for one of the housing association’s Growing Grants and now the projects are set to receive £500 each to turn their garden dreams into a reality. The grants aim to help customers further improve the environment around their homes.

The plans for the Tranquillity Garden at St George’s include providing safe access for disabled customers to enjoy outdoor social activities at the scheme and building new flower boxes and seating. Led by a team of around 12 volunteers the project will also attract wildlife and provide additional relaxing space for customers, families, friends and socially isolated neighbours to enjoy.

Doxey House customers plan on creating a Kitchen Garden with raised beds for wheelchair users and anyone with poor mobility that will also feature miniature fruit trees.

Laura Turner, Customer Engagement Advisor, commented: “Both schemes are very deserving of the support and, as well as encouraging healthy eating, they’ll help customers to feel part of a supportive community whilst improving the local environment.

A team of judges, including Clive Jessup, Managing Director, Jessup Brothers, a SARH construction partner and sponsor of its Gardens Competition; Angela Garrard, Assistant Director of Commercial Services, Housing Worx; Jo Hough,  Director of Organisational Development, SARH; and Craig Royal, Chair of SARH Customer Board, met recently to assess grant applications.

“All the judges were extremely impressed with the winning applications, particularly the detail, effort, time and thought that had gone into both ideas,” Laura said. “What really stood out was the passion and enthusiasm of the customers.”

Karen Armitage, SARH Chief Executive, added: “Getting out into the garden is a great way of improving both physical and mental health. All the applications reflected the good work that’s going on in our local communities and the projects will go a long way to building an even stronger sense of community spirit.”