No.93 Garden Guardians awarded by The Royal Horticulture Society and North West in Bloom!
This year Recovery Pathways put No.93 Wellbeing Centre’s Community Garden Guardians in for the Royal Horticulture Society (RHS) Britain in Bloom – It’s Your Neighbourhood, and are proud to announce that the garden was awarded Level 3: Advancing/Developing!
This is a non-competitive category and is ideal for any group taking the first steps towards community improvements. The aim was to acknowledge all the hard work that staff and centre users have put in to create and maintain an inspiring, calm green space for all to enjoy at No.93. Some of those involved attended an award ceremony to celebrate these achievements.
“I love nature, and being outdoors in this space with kind people.”
It’s Your Neighbourhood is all about bringing members of the community together to make a positive change to the place they live, work or spend their leisure time. Groups participating in the campaign are asked to focus on its three key themes of:
- Community Participation (40% of marks)
- Environmental Responsibility (30% of marks)
- Gardening Achievement (30% of marks)
There are five levels of achievement in It’s Your Neighbourhood:
- Establishing
- Improving
- Developing
- Thriving
- Outstanding
Groups are visited by environmental and horticultural “in Bloom” experts, who provide valuable feedback and helpful advice. Based on the assessment visit, each community receive an RHS certificate of achievement reflecting the extent to which participants have met the It’s Your Neighbourhood aims as encompassed in the three core pillars.
The Community Garden Guardians at No.93 were awarded Level 3: Advancing/Developing and will receive a report from volunteer RHS expert on ways to on how to develop current activities and encourage ongoing improvements.
A huge thank you to all those involved in this project, with each contribution playing a vital role in this team's achievement.
Some of the Garden Guardians had this to say:
“I've come to the Crisis Café a few times and it has been so nice to have plants in the reception area. It makes it feels calmer and homely. Because of those I decided to try out Garden Guardians.”
“Thank you for creating a comfortable, safe space for me to grow in confidence.”
“This has been a really helpful group for me. It gives me something to do to keep me from thinking too much.”
“I like that there is no pressure to chat. I can chat if I want to or just get on with something and still feel part of the group.”
Garden Guardians at No.93 – Open to all
This is a maintenance group which works outdoors – with no commitment to attend in poor weather.
What is it?
A weekly drop-in for garden maintenance on Wednesdays at 10.30am-12pm. All welcome – no referral needed.
Who can be involved?
Anyone. No criteria other than a willingness to help maintain our lovely green space.
Is it accessible?
The garden is not currently wheelchair accessible in all areas. Please contact Tamzin to chat about accessibility and any individual need.
Grass can become wet/muddy. Suitable shoes recommended.
We may be able to provide wellies in your size ahead with notice.
Will it run in wet/cold weather?
Yes. We will be outdoors in all seasons, but you do not have to attend! (The café is open for refreshments, and general space to relax).
Can I have a brew?
Yes! We encourage regular breaks when undertaking garden maintenance – and it’s a chance to chat with other Garden Guardians if you would like to.
Do you allow dogs?
Unfortunately we can’t have dogs in the sessions/on site.
Is it physical?
There is a degree of physical activity with the maintenance of a site. However we do try and accommodate everyone. For example giving seated tabletop tasks when possible.
Do I have to do anything?
No, you can sit and enjoy the garden space.
Can I come for some of it?
You can drop in for as little or as long as you like between 10.30am-12pm midday.
What will we be doing?
This is a maintenance group to keep the site clean, weed free, watered and in general good shape for all to enjoy.
A selection of tasks will be available for you to choose from each week.
Autumn activities:
- Bulb planting
- Weeding flower beds and pots
- Sowing green manure
- Leaf raking
- Bagging up leaves
- Sweeping paths
- Litter picking
- Removing moss from walkways
- Cutting back brambles
- Tool cleaning
- Tidying dedicated beds
- Other general maintenance jobs as they come up
For more information email tamzin.forster@gmmh.nhs.uk or call 0750 148 9212.
Address: No. 93 (supporting health and wellbeing in North Manchester), 93 Church Lane, Harpurhey, M9 5BG.
Webpage: https://www.gmmh.nhs.uk/no-93
Alice Munby, Manager for the Harpurhey Wellbeing Centre said:
“Having Green Wellbeing based at No.93 Wellbeing Centre has been very beneficial for the community hub, including service users, local people and staff. Our Garden Guardians group welcomes new people, supports them to get involved with the garden maintenance, and the wider centre.”
