Mexborough Community Partnership grant aid

 

The funds, which total £9,984, have been used by the South Yorkshire charity to employ a poroject co-ordinator who will be responsible for the daily running of the community garden project and volunteer recruitment.

Volunteers will be taught various horticultural skills and techniques ranging from the very basics of sowing seeds to more complex skills such as grafting fruit trees and harvesting fresh fruit and vegetables.

These skills will become valuable to all participants as they can be transferred directly into the work place whilst also allowing them to grow their own fresh produce, helping them to lead a healthier lifestyle.  

The community group also offers CV writing courses, interview skills sessions, community clean ups and litter picks, as well as training courses for residents across the Mexborough area.

Treasurer at Mexborough Community Partnership, Brian Dutton, said: 'The funding received from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust has already made a massive difference to our community garden project as we have been able to employ a Project Coordinator is now able to oversee the whole operation.

'By bringing the community together we've been able to create a beautiful garden right in the centre of Mexborough and would like to invite people of all backgrounds and abilities to pay us a visit and try their hand at a spot of horticulture. The project is playing a huge role in helping people to learn new skills that will transform their chances of finding work.'

Development manager (England) for the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, Stephen Abson, said: 'The community garden plays a fantastic role in bringing people together from across Mexborough to learn new skills in a fun environment. People who get involved with the project not only make lasting friendships and help to make a difference to their local community, but also learn the skills that employers demand such as teamwork and cooperation.

'Gardening doesn't only allow you to develop skills that can be used in the workplace but it's also incredibly useful for improving your own mental and physical wellbeing as it can help you to relax and learn about the importance of healthy eating.'

Delivered by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, the Coalfields Community Investment Programme supports organisations and programmes of activity that meet with three key criteria; to address skills, employment or health.

The Coalfields Regeneration Trust was established in 1999 and is the only organisation dedicated to supporting former mining towns and villages.

Over the years more than  two million people have benefited from support delivered by the organisation. More than 25,500 people have been supported into work, 5,500 jobs have been created or safeguarded, 1.3m people have received the necessary support to help improve their skills and gain qualifications and over 250,000 people have participated in activities that have improve their health.

For further details about the Coalfields Regeneration Trusts, visit www.coalfields-regen.org.uk website.