Residents from our Southwell Lodge supported housing project in Crawley enjoyed a day building their own raised bed vegetable garden. The young people were helped by volunteers from Crawley Borough Council, British Airways and Hilton Gatwick.
Thanks to a grant from Crawley Borough Council an overgrown patch of land has been transformed into something beautiful. This will allow the young people to learn where their food comes from, plus engage in something positive.
The young people and the volunteers worked hard clearing the land, digging the ground and building the raised vegetable beds. Everyone involved is now eagerly waiting for autumn to see all their hard work pay off when they harvest the first vegetables.
Southwell Lodge is a supported housing project for up to 10 people aged 16-18 at a time. The project aims to encourage the residents to engage and participate in developing a greater appreciation for their environment, broaden their knowledge of food production, build on cooking skills and promote physical activity.
Lee Scott, Engagement and Learning Coordinator at YMCA DLG, said: “It was fantastic to see the young people and volunteers from the wider community coming together to create something so positive and having a great day in the sunshine.”
