Ex-rough sleepers turn to gardening

Published by Max Salsbury for 24dash.com in Communities and also in Environment, Housing

A group of former rough sleepers in Bristol have been working hard on a community gardening project.

The site of the project at Craftes Court, Speedwell - which was set up by Sovereign Housing Association - consists of 12 properties that provide accommodation for rough sleepers.

Many residents move on quickly which causes disruption and makes it hard for the community to gel. Sovereign decided to turn the communal area into a fruit and vegetable garden as way of creating social cohesion.

Sovereign has been working with Places for People and specialist gardening company Project Agora to bring the project to fruition.

Louise Bradberry, the Housing Officer who initiated the project, said: “We wanted the project to help create an improved sense of home and community at Craftes Court. It was important to us that residents were able to take ownership of the garden and really get involved.

Resident Paul moved in to Craftes Court from a homeless hostel around four months ago and has been a key part of the garden project.

“Sharing communal areas can be challenging, so it’s great that people are coming out to discuss how we can use this land,” said Paul. “I’ve always had green fingers and been part of several gardening projects. I’d love to see this space grow as a garden and to have people come together on a Sunday to dig up our fruit and veg to eat. I’ll take my hat off to all the staff who have helped get the project off the ground.”

Sovereign has contributed over £5,000 to fund the services of professional gardeners, equipment and maintenance for two years. Charlie Hanson, the gardener from Project Agora leading the Craftes Court Growing Project, said: “Paul’s been fantastic. There have been different levels of involvement, but people have been working well together to make decisions. We’re looking at using sustainable materials to help create an organic veg garden and space residents can enjoy here. It’s been really great so far.”