Strengthening community cohesion with new allotment project
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We’re really excited to be launching a brand new project to help people of Afghan, Hong Kong and Ukrainian nationalities engage in group activities on our Lalley community allotment.
Funded by the Northwest Regional Strategic Migration Partnership (RSMP), the project will see people joining a wide range of outdoor sessions run by our experienced allotment manager, including how to grow food and flowers and more.
Raddon from the allotment explained: “This will be a great opportunity for people to shape what we grow with their own knowledge and experiences so we’re really looking forward to the input people from the different communities will have.
“Sessions will include social time, use of our library of plant and gardening books, crafting activities and outdoor cooking, giving people a chance to share cultural dishes. Our inner-city allotment is the perfect place for those wishing to get the benefits of being outside while learning and socialising in a peaceful setting.”
Guided local walks from the community allotment or our other services and centres will offer attendees a chance to learn about local history in the place they now live and identify common plants and animals, connecting people to the city they now call home. Our team will also work with three cultural centres for the communities being supported by this funding, leading walks which end with a tour or activity at each centre.
Raddon added: “As well as a great opportunity for community cohesion and to help people experience the benefits of being outside and in nature, the project will also support attendees into volunteer roles with our charity, which includes provision of training on health and safety, safeguarding adults and children and awareness of trafficking and modern slavery.
“With a wide range of volunteer roles available and connections to other organisations offering further experience in specific sectors, we’re hoping this will really help as people integrate into life in Manchester through making social connections and developing the skills and confidence needed to find employment.”
Our project welcomes people to attend open allotment sessions on Tuesdays from 10.30am to 1pm and Thursdays from 1.30pm to 4pm every week. (Please note we are closed between 22 December and 4 January for the Christmas break.
Anyone is welcome to join for all activities, but there is no pressure to attend every session. Alongside the gardening sessions, a regular monthly schedule will include the following:
Get to know nature:
First Tuesday of the month from 10.30am to 4pm
Natural crafts:
Second Thursday of the month from 1.30pm to 4pm
Take a walk:
Third Friday of the month from 2pm to 4pm
Garden food share:
Fourth Thursday of the month from 1.30pm to 4pm
Click the orange button below now to find out more information and see a full activity timetable.
Find out more about our Lalley Centre, Community Pantry and Allotment by clicking here now.
To find out more about volunteering opportunities at the Lalley and our other services click here now.