This World WellBeing Week, Metro Mayor Dan Norris visited a much-loved community garden that is making a real difference thanks to a grant from the West of England Combined Authority, led by the Mayor.
On his visit to Redcatch Community Garden, Mr Norris saw how the £7,500 cash injection is being used to fund training as he meets some of the 36 Bristolians on the courses. He will also speak to Redcatch co-founders Kate Swain and Michael Cardwell.
Everyone on the training courses can get creative with art, grow veggies in the garden or cook up a storm in the kitchen, all while learning important strategies to manage their mental health.
Celebrating five years of success, the Knowle-based garden at the site of the old bowling green in Redcatch Park now employs 17 staff, has over 30 volunteers and sees 200,000 visitors a year, including over 100 schoolchildren.
Metro Mayor Dan Norris said: “Through ‘making, cooking and growing’, Redcatch Community Farm training will give more Bristolians the confidence and the skills they need to go on to learn, grow and thrive. Good mental health is so important to leading positive lives and that is why I’m so pleased a £7,500 cash injection from the West of England Combined Authority I lead is supporting local people to build resilience, manage their wellbeing and get on and build a brighter future for themselves”.Redcatch Community Garden co-founder Kate Swain said: “We are delighted to have been awarded £7,500 from the West of England Combined Authority to enable us to run ‘Make, Cook, Grow’. These sessions are designed by our Art Therapists, Chefs and Gardeners to help attendees build emotional resilience and confidence as they develop new skills. We see a huge need in our community to provide this type of support, and are grateful the Combined Authority has been able to facilitate us to provide it”.