Rosy future for Bridgnorth residents as garden project begins

Published by Maike Riedel for Circle in Housing and also in Communities, Education

An innovative kitchen garden project for single, homeless people was yesterday at Bridgnorth’s Parish Rooms – a supported housing scheme run by Birmingham based Mercian Housing Association.

Mercian, in partnership with ShrewsburyCollege, is offering current and former residents the chance to learn all about gardening and planting at the scheme’s new greenhouse, so they can become self-sufficient food growers. The course will run for six weeks, and people taking part get to do everything from planting, nurturing and harvesting vegetables and herbs to composting.

Lucy Martin (20), was one of the seven residents who attended the first course today. She said: “I didn’t think gardening was interesting but I found it quite educational and enjoyed every minute of it. It was really useful to learn where the best places are for things to grow.”

Anne Wilson, Locum Town Clerk said: ”Bridgnorth Town Council work in partnership with many community organisations and for this project were delighted to offer the skills of members of the Direct Labour Force to build the greenhouse for use by residents of the Parish Rooms and the wider community.”

Bob Candlin, community investment manager for Mercian Housing Association, said: “This is a very exciting project which will help the homeless men and women we support to develop important skills. There are no other projects of this nature in Bridgnorth and we are extremely grateful for all the support from our partners to make this possible. We are all looking forward to seeing the greenhouse turn into a flourishing kitchen garden.”

Last year Mercian successfully received funding from Shropshire County Council for a greenhouse with the aim of encouraging residents to learn new skills. The equipment was sponsored by Sainsbury’s Bridgnorth.

The Parish Rooms offer other learning opportunities for Bridgnorth area residents intended to develop key skills in independence around employment, education and accommodation. Further details can be obtained by contacting the Project Manager, Phil Tinsley, on phone 01746 711596.