G 4 G supports individuals at risk of exclusion helping them overcome barriers to integration.
Grow 4 Good provides opportunities for people at risk of social exclusion to learn about and engage with organic gardening and nursery stock production. Its unique location within a Zoo environment, with close proximity to a range of wild animals with conservation as the highest priority, offers extraordinary learning opportunities unavailable elsewhere.The project will help improve their personal, social and life skills, providing a sense of identity by being a member of a working community.
Why the community needs usG 4 G will benefit a range of people with special focus on those suffering from stress related illness. The overriding aim is to provide an environment to benefit vulnerable or socially disadvantaged people, providing learning opportunities to help them become better integrated within the community. They will gain skills,confidence,self-sufficiency and self-esteem, some becoming ready for training or work, enabling them to participate more fully within society and within their own communities.
Our impact on the communityGrow 4 Good will make a significant difference to those involved: Being physically active outdoors improves physical & mental health. Learning & working together increases self confidence, self-esteem & social skills. Gaining knowledge & new skills within a range of horticultural tasks boosts chances of employment, developing commitment,sense of identity & belonging through the provision of new, transferable skills, whilst working within a team, will aid integration within the wider community.
The project will carry out various gardening activities, growing salad and nursery stock in the poly tunnels, and helping to improve the grounds at the Zoo. Volunteers are needed to help with day to day tasks whilst working alongside our referrals. These may be 'Young Offenders', or 'Youths at Risk of Exclusion'. No skills are required, as all horticultural training will be given on the job, but an aptitude for outdoor working, a sense of humour, and an ability to work with others is helpful.
