Our community growing projects use gardening and outdoor activities to actively tackle health and social inequalities. 

Each project aims to engage people with their community, build skills and confidence, and reduce loneliness and 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. 

CRAIGMILLAR COMMUNITY GROWS

With a head office in Craigmillar, Edinburgh – we are passionate about supporting both our local community and communities across Scotland. We started development work locally eight years ago.

We fundraise for Craigmillar Community Grows (CCG), which has grown into a highly successful outdoor activity project. CCG is a pioneering initiative based in one of Scotland’s most deprived communities. 

We welcome everyone, regardless of background, to join us for fun, friendship and learning. You can get involved with:

• regular workshops
• weekly walking groups
• food & blether cooking classes
• gardening and learning how to grow food

Karin is our local community project worker. She’s passionate about Craigmillar, and encouraging people to work together on a joint mission to support the community and those who live in it. We offer people a safe space - somewhere to while away a few hours - a place to build connections and learn.

Community working
We work collaboratively with the local community in many different ways. We support and facilitate activities with the local youth club, we help run events including local gala days and celebrations, and we link in with local GPs and mental health organisations to support people experiencing loneliness and isolation.

Embracing the outdoors
We want outdoor spaces to be place of calm, and available to all. We do this in various ways; we might help families to grow their own food and herbs, we connect organisations to work together outside, and we develop outdoor spaces into either sensory spaces or growing spaces to create useful spaces for people to be together outdoors.

Developing new skills
Our workshops are for everyone in the community. They provide a space to focus on skills development and having fun. Recently, we’ve learned how to make:

• Christmas wreaths
• Candles
• Pickled vegetables
• Herbal ointments and creams

Exploring the local area
Our walking group explores local paths, parks and attractions. Getting to know new people, and learning about plants, trees and animals along the way is something we love to encourage. If you or anyone you know is looking to improve your physical and mental well-being, get in touch with Karin.

Cooking to stay healthy
Not only do we grow our own produce, we also love to share recipes and cook together. Recently, our Food & Blether Group has been meeting virtually. Our regular get-togethers go a long way to tackle loneliness and isolation within the wider Craigmillar community.

For more information about how to get involved, contact Karin on 07824838364, or email [email protected] To help us keep this vital community project going, donate today. You can also keep up to date with all things CCG on Facebook.