Allotment wellbeing project ‘Sown and Grown’ at Blaenau Gwent & Caerphilly YJS

Summary:

‘Sown and Grown’ is an allotment wellbeing project open to children referred to the Blaenau Gwent & Caerphilly youth justice service. Being outside, and physically busy, practitioners find children are more likely to talk openly – allowing them to better understand their needs and provide support. The children have great pride in taking produce home to show their families and in donating food to the local foodbank and flowers to local nursing homes or the church where the allotment project is based.

The allotment project began in July 2021 and is a collaborative project between the youth justice service, Caerphilly children’s services 16+ team, children and young adults and community volunteers. It is an opportunity for a wide range of people to come together, sharing knowledge, tasks, skills, and experience. Not only does the project create further opportunities for social gatherings, educational workshops and enjoying nature, there is also evidence linking gardening with improved mental health, increased confidence and self-esteem for the children and volunteers involved.

There is an annual ground rent charge for the allotment and a cost for purchasing seeds and plants. Funding for the project is obtained through grant applications submitted by the YJS.