Young People’s Hard Work Growing Produce Turns To Gold

Published on: 2 Oct, 2017
Updated on: 8 Oct, 2017

A Guildford-based charity and care organisation that supports young people with learning disabilities scooped a gold award in the best allotment category in this year’s Guildford in Bloom competition.

halow’s A Reason to Get Up programme, works with Birtley House nursing home in Bramley that has been the driving force behind the allotment.

Some of halow’s young people and staff hard at work on the allotment at Birtley House.

The initiative, Cook & Grow, had the young people working with halow staff to decide what to grow, to prepare the land and they have been reaping the fruits of their labour with delicious organic produce.

A halow spokesperson said: “They have learned so much this year on the programme, about where food comes from, the importance of healthy eating and growing organic produce.

“The produce has been widely shared, both with Birtley House and also with The Boileroom’s Trash Canteen, where they’ve been creating healthy and nutritious meals for those who need them.

“halow has also dropped off fresh produce at a local food bank near The Boileroom, adding some fresh vegetables to people’s weekly food shop.”

halow’s Cook & Grow group has also been working with the Trash Canteen on creating a halow lunch using its allotment produce to create a healthy meal for up to 50 people.

What’s left is shared with the young people who have cooked good meals at home with family or their flat mates in halow’s supported living houses. halow’s staff have also donated to take the remaining produce home and cook.

Aisha Ariakutti, the A Reason to Get Up (daytime activities) co-ordinator said; “We are honoured to receive this award – the young people were so delighted at the awards ceremony and are excited that their hard work has been recognised in this way.

“We’ve made such progress with Cook & Grow this year, our young people are eating more healthily, learning skills about growing produce and cooking them, and finding a sense of well-being from the outdoor activity and team effort it takes to create such a beautiful allotment.

“We are happy we’ve been able to share the produce with other groups and organisations that need fresh vegetables and fruit.”

Ann Kenney, halow’s director, added; “I want to thank all those involved, from the hard work of our young people, to Birtley House and to Waitrose, who kindly nominated us this year.

“Huge thanks also to Guildford Borough Council for a wonderful competition and awards evening at Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, and of course to our staff, who have been dedicated to this programme which is producing such amazing results for our young people.”

halow’s young people were asked how they felt about receiving the award and here’s what it has meant to them: “It’s brilliant being part of this and now winning an award for the Cook & Grow project. We grow beans, tomatoes, strawberries and we learn how to prepare, cook and eat them!”

For more information on how to get involved in A Reason to Get Up, or any of halow’s other services call 01483 447960 or email Aisha.Ariakutti@halowproject.org.uk

To donate to halow’s work contact fundraising@halowproject.org.uk.

halow is committed to supporting young people, aged 16 to 35, with a learning disability to have the same life choices and chances as any other young person. The charity supports young people with a learning disability live the life they choose, as independently as possible by providing opportunities and support to make and meet friends through social activities, build confidence and life skills and access meaningful work and homes of their own.