Congratulations to everyone involved in the Medina Housing Association Growing Spaces project, which we hear has just won a prestigious award.
VB readers might remember the article we wrote last year, highlighting the Big Lottery funding award for this community scheme that encourages people to grow their own produce, whatever space they have.
We understand that Growing Spaces made it into the top three regional finalists in the ‘What We Are Proud Of’ and will take them into the finals in September, competing for the national trophy.
Why Growing Spaces?
Over 250 households in Newport and Ryde are now growing their own vegetables thanks to the raised beds scheme provided by Growing Spaces.
But it’s not just the raised beds that have been provided. Support also comes with seeds, plants and training for the residents.
Bringing the community together
The project has had a great impact on bringing residents of all ages together through workshops, drop-in sessions and community events.
Medina Housing Association Managing Director, Martyn Pearl says: “We are delighted to have won this award in the face of strong competition from a number of excellent projects. Growing Spaces has really made a difference to people, improving the quality of lives and cementing the relationships within local communities. It has also changed for the better the way that residents in our neighbourhoods view and engage with Medina. This is one of those simple ideas which makes a big impact and leaves an enduring legacy. It is something about which we are truly proud.”
Image: left to right: Martyn Pearl, Managing Director, Medina Housing, Helen Osborne, Growing Spaces Participant, Suzie Mundell, Project Coordinator, Medina Housing and Maria Wilkinson, Community Enterprise Manager, Medina Housing.
