Getting closer to nature does us all good. People in Pickering, North Yorkshire, will soon be able to enjoy the benefits of fresh air and exercise at our new community allotment.
Welcoming new people
‘When we took the site on it was just an empty patch of grass,’ says Rhian, the allotment coordinator. ‘
We’ve made good progress already. We’ve put up the shed, and the frame for the polytunnel. We’ll soon be ready to invite people for a welcome session!’
New ways of working
A community allotment will benefit people living independently or with family, who need support without the accommodation provided by our traditional communities. As well as local learning disability and dementia groups, Rhian is working with Ryedale Out of Education service to see how the allotment can benefit young people whose learning disabilities or health needs mean they’re not in school or college.
Social prescribing is another avenue Rhian is keen to explore. This is a system that allows GPs to prescribe exercise or therapeutic activities, alongside, or instead of, conventional medication.
‘There are lots of local people who could benefit from the new allotment,’ says Rhian. ‘We’re looking forward to making a positive difference to the community.’
