Growing2gether – a partnership horticultural therapy project getting the very best out of community resources

Growing2Gether provides volunteering, learning and training opportunities at the 1.5 hectare site near Kingsclere, offering an educational facility for local groups and individuals, promoting interest and awareness in local food.

Newbury Community Resource Centre Chief Executive Kelvin Hughes said: “We were successful in our application for a grant of £300,000 over three years awarded by the Big Lottery Fund’s Local Food scheme for Growing 2gether. This builds on the successful partnership we have with West Berkshire Mencap in our operation of the Slater Centre at Greenham Business Park.

The Greenham Common Trust, who provided and continue to support the Slater Centre, has also been instrumental in providing the premises and financial support to enable Growing 2gether to become a reality. The whole staff team, supported by our volunteers, has made a huge effort to ensure we are still able to deliver our vital support services to local people, including providing a wide range of ways for people to get involved through volunteering and training.”

West Berkshire Mencap chief executive Leila Ferguson said: “The ethos of West Berkshire Mencap is to encourage people with learning disabilities to progress and get the most out of their lives and Greenham Common Trust has been a major partner in enabling this to happen. Without their help Growing Together would not have happened and because they have put their faith in us we have been able to create new and wonderful projects, and are now working together with Community Resource Centre on even more exciting projects that even more people can enjoy. Our staff and volunteers get immense pride from the work they do and we are all grateful to our partners who enable such creative innovation.”

Come and get involved in Growing2gether’s community garden and greenhouses, from just a few hours a week, or more, if you have the time to spare.

Contact details: Growing2gether, Cottismore Park, Newbury Road, Near Kingsclere, RG20 4SY Tel 01635 299949