Erewash Borough Council is celebrating winning nearly £7,500 for a go-ahead gardening project for residents in two of its supported accommodation projects.

 

The pace-setting eight week training course is already underway in both Long Eaton and Ilkeston and will help show those taking part how to build raised garden beds and how to plant and grow their own vegetables. A trainer will also host a ‘cook it and eat it’ session at the end to show how best to use the produce.

 

More than 20 residents and support workers are taking part in total at the supported accommodation – the Canaan Trust on Cranmer Street, Long Eaton, and Stonham, on Heanor Road, Ilkeston.

 

The training takes place one day a week for 8 weeks and successful completion of the course will achieve an OCN Level 1 in basic food growing.

 

The Council’s Housing Options team successfully gained the money from Derbyshire Primary Care Trust’s Health and Housing Fund to provide the project.

 

Councillor Carol Hart, Erewash Borough Council’s Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Community Services, says:

“We are delighted to have gained funding for this extremely practical and valuable project. The course will provide meaningful training for some of the most disadvantaged members of our community. It will develop skills and build confidence, something which they will be able to take forward into the future, and I applaud all those involved in this project.”

 

Support workers and staff have been encouraged to get involved to ensure ongoing sustainability of the project.