Could you be a Growing Buddy and encourage your neighbours to have a go at growing food?
We have joined forces with national charity Garden Organic to launch a network of “Growing Buddies” to encourage Golding residents to get growing and gardening on their estates in Maidstone.
The volunteer buddies will be inspiring tenants on three estates to start growing some of their own organic fruit and vegetables. They’ll be speaking about their own experiences and encourage others to have a go at growing food as part of a healthy, active lifestyle.
Giving their time at Harbledown House; the YMCA community centre in Tovil and at Christ Church Hall, Wallis Avenue, Growing Buddies will be championing the benefits of healthy, home-grown food and showing residents some simple ways to get plants started on windowsills and in pots. They’ll also be promoting food-growing more widely in the local communities by spreading the word at events and community days.
Caroline McBride, Head of Community Development at Golding Homes said: “We are really pleased to be working with Garden Organic on this project, gardening is a great way to keep active whilst encouraging families to get involved in growing food and eating more healthily”
Garden Organic is now looking for enthusiastic people to join as Growing Buddies – ideally Golding residents from the estates themselves. Full training is given, with a one-day induction course held locally in April 2016, and ongoing training days.
Garden Organic volunteer co-ordinator Liza Scholefield said: “We’re delighted to be working with Golding residents and helping them to get growing. More and more people are becoming interested in growing their own food for reasons ranging from protecting the environment, to improving health and saving money.”
“You can volunteer at times to suit yourself and there will be support and guidance from a dedicated project officer.”
Growing Buddies will enjoy a range of benefits, including membership of Garden Organic, public liability insurance whilst volunteering, a branded organic cotton polo shirt and fleece, badge, start-up pack including seeds, kitchen garden planner, organic guidelines and fact sheets.
“We’re looking for outgoing people with an interest in food growing, who are committed to improving their local community,” said Liza.
“The good thing is, you don’t need to be a gardening expert yourself. Any experience is welcome, but we will give some basic training in simple growing techniques.”
If you would like to find out more about becoming a Growing Buddy, please contact Liza Scholefield on lscholefield@gardenorganic.org.uk 07584 474778