Earlier this summer, Kind Mind Community, our South Tyneside Recovery College, acquired an allotment plot from the local council. The site needed quite a bit of work, as it was covered in glass, rusty old wheelbarrows, discarded plant pots and empty beer cans.
A team of Recovery College students and volunteers, including 16 volunteers from Sage, dedicated a day to clearing the site.
Angie Angus, Team Manager, explains:
“Everyone pulled together filling bags of accumulated rubbish and clearing away overgrown bushes. In just a few hours, we could see the plot’s full potential!
At the end of the day, we were tired, a bit red and quite filthy, but we all had smiles on our faces when we looked at the plot and saw an amazing piece of land. Not only was it clear, but some of the beds had been dug over and were ready for planting.
Everyone really enjoyed the day, even though it was hard work. We had a great mix of knowledge and experience, with some people just there to help and connect with others. It was a great atmosphere.”
This fantastic work would not have been possible without the support of volunteers.
Angie explains:
“We were really lucky to have been supported by Sage, through both its volunteering effort and by funding a skip to contain all of the rubbish.
I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone for their hard work! This would have taken us weeks on our own but, together, we made a huge difference in a short space of time.”
Kind Mind Community has amazing plans for the plot. Not only will the team and students be growing plants and vegetables, but they also hope that the allotment can be a community space to reflect, meditate or just come together.
Kind Mind Community support adults across South Tyneside to improve their mental health and wellbeing, by running free course and activities designed to boost wellbeing and help people connect with others.