Mylander - Issue 85

24 From inside the community Together we Grow at Home We have just completed a large Covid response project, working with local primary schools, a sheltered housing provider and Refugee Action - Colchester. The aim was to ensure that very vulnerable individuals, often doubly isolated as a result of life circumstances and Covid issues, had some joy, a reason to get up and a plan for the year….. the only answer, plants! We sent out growing packs to 50 house holds and this was the start. The aim was to have continued weekly contact with all ‘Friends”. We had Friday Tea breaks via zoom, with all participants, school children grouped together, adults grouped together. We saw peoples growing successes, got shown around gardens, saw people truly grow! Friendships were formed over those chats, friends started growing in their gardens, on their window sills, some applied for shared allotments. We met up when allowed at our HQ, the two-acre vibrant Big Garden in Highwoods Country Park. Plants that were excess were planted and nurtured by our volunteers.