Green-fingered support worker helps Lifehouse residents grow their own

Dave said: “Before the lockdowns we saw a really positive change in our residents who were spending time learning to grow vegetables and getting involved in all aspects of allotment life.

“Residents grew fresh produce that would be cooked and used in the Lifehouse kitchen. One lad was so proud of his achievements that when they were eating their dinner, he pointed out he’d ‘made’ their carrots!”

The allotment project at Charter Row is one of many activities organised to promote health and wellbeing among residents as well as giving them the opportunity to learn new skills.

Dave described how residents have been improving the allotment plot: “They’ve come up with how they wanted to develop the site – recycling a shelter from the Lifehouse for the allotment and installing a fire pit so they can barbecue and relax. It’s been beneficial for their physical and social health but also their mental wellbeing.”

He explained how people have come back to the Lifehouse and thanked him for what he did, but he said: “I’m doing nothing special – I’m just doing my job.”

Find out more about our work in homelessness services.