South Londoners can get their hands dirty and learn how to grow and cook their own food at sessions running at a community garden.
The garden at The Albany, a multi-purpose arts centre in Deptford, is hosting regular gardening and food growing workshops for older people, young people and adults with learning disabilities.
The outdoor space will also be used for community events where residents can come together, learn new skills and pick up plant and seeds to grow at home.
The projects are being run by a garden co-ordinator funded through a £97,500 grant from City Bridge Trust, the City of London Corporation’s charity funder.
City Bridge Trust Chairman Giles Shilson said:
“Like so many charities across the capital, The Albany has offered a lifeline for vulnerable residents during the pandemic, providing a green oasis and a place where people can learn and socialise together safely.
“The activities being funded by City Bridge Trust will benefit hundreds of people in Deptford, tackling isolation, helping people connect and boosting their mental and physical health.”
During lockdown, the garden space came into its own as a venue for artistic events, shows and music performances for families, as well as providing a vital outdoor meeting space.
The Albany Chief Executive Gavin Barlow said:
“We’ve had wonderful feedback from residents who said coming to the garden, taking part in activities with others and getting their hands in the soil helped them to feel connected and to focus on something other than Covid.
“We’re in a very urban area with lots of tower blocks, so having an outdoor space where people can come to learn new skills, make and grow things or just get some calm and peace has a hugely positive impact on the community.”
More information is available at www.thealbany.org.uk/visit-our-venues/the-albany-garden-2/
The City of London Corporation’s charity funder, City Bridge Trust, is London’s biggest independent grant giver, making grants of over £25 million a year to tackle disadvantage across the capital – www.citybridgetrust.org.uk
