Our community growing projects use gardening and outdoor activities as the vehicle to actively tackle health and social inequalities in some of Scotland’s most deprived communities.

The projects use gardening and growing opportunities as the vehicle to engage people with their community, build skills and confidence and break down social isolation. We work in partnership with local people and community groups, building relationships with them, listening to what they want to achieve, and working with them to make it happen. We are passionate about supporting people to improve their lives in a way that works for them.

During 2019, we have worked alongside over 700 people, of all ages, through the provision of inclusive and accessible events and activities. Over the year, this has included:

• 18 sessions with children in schools
• 29 workshops in the community and in local gardens - including cooking, craft, and sow & grow workshops
• 6 local events for members of the community - including foraging events
• weekly walking groups - particularly for the elderly and those with physical disabilities who normally cannot get out into the fresh air
• fortnightly activity groups for people with disabilities and their carers
• fortnightly Food and Blether groups for people whose first language is not English - who are now developing a book of all the recipes they are sharing with each other

“The children, parents and staff were all raving about your workshop - so many thanks again for coming along to our programme. We would love to have you back again for a future holiday programme.”

We have also supported local people and workers to run and strengthen their groups and to provide more activities and better outdoor spaces.

“Who would have thought that I could learn how to cook such a lovely choice of meals on a really tight budget?”

Health and social inequalities can heighten stress levels, and stress is a factor in almost all major mental and physical illnesses. Our community growing activities create the space for people to create friendships, develop new skills, and build a renewed sense of purpose in life.

Several of the community growers have commented on feeling more connected in their community, with a greater desire to improve their health and wellbeing.

Every donation made to Carr Gomm goes directly towards funding projects like this; projects that are supporting some of the most vulnerable members of the community and helps strengthen other local groups. 

If you would like to support projects and activities like these that are addressing isolation and loneliness across Scotland, you can donate here today. Thank you!