Bexley Mencap Gardening Group
4
The Pitch
Problem statement
People with a learning disability are seven times more likely to feel lonely than the general population and the Covid -19 pandemic has only increased a sense of social isolation/anxiety. They are more likely to have worse health outcomes than the rest of the population, die earlier and from preventable conditions, and be less active physically. Most of our members are in supported or shared living or live on their own and don't have access to a green space. Creating and maintaining a community allotment plot will enable members to have a sense of worth and achievement in planting shrubs, bushes, flowers, in a previously unkept area and improve overall heath and wellbeing and activity levels
Solution
Goal: Develop an unused community allotment plot into a thriving green sustainable space. We will: Prepare the soil ready for planting seeds, shrubs, bushes, Repair the raised beds Paint the sheds Tend and maintain the borders by laying down wood chippings on the walkways Make our own bug hotels out of discarded wood. Create our own compost/mulch Impact: Reduce social isolation – to provide opportunities to make new friends and maintain existing relationships To enable people to remain physically active/increase physical activity levels Improve health and wellbeing, including mental wellbeing Increased confidence. Create environmentally friendly space to be enjoyed and appreciated.
Why are we best placed to deliver?
We have a good track record of supporting people with learning disabilities to take part in sports/physical exercise, working with local groups to integrate members into community activities. We have an active Healthy Lifestyles programme of activities such as Tennis, Walking and now Gardening Group. Our staff are fully trained and trusted to support people with a learning disability in groups and 1:1. We have also delivered better health projects within the local community with TfL, University of Greenwich, Bexley Libraries and local hospitals/GP services.
Focus Areas
Delivery plan
Budget breakdown
| Materials/Equipment | £100 |
| Plants, seeds, shrubs | £250 |
| Support salary costs | £150 |
Beneficiaries
15 people
Who will benefit
Expected impact
85% of members: o Feel more confident, Enjoy the gardening sessions and would recommend them to friends o Feel less isolated • 75% of members: o Feel less anxious/feel that gardening sessions are beneficial to mental health o Have increased levels of physical activity/mobility Members will: Have increased sense of confidence and self worth in achievements Invite carers/family members to show them their work in improving discarded green space Feel positive commitment to maintain and upkeep allotment plot and plan for future use according to seasons All food grown will be eaten by members improving diet and appreciation of benefits of heathy living food choices. Allotment plot: Will be restored and become sustainable and become a environmentally friendly place with shrubs, bushes, plants, trees and vegetables and attractive to bees, birds and wildlife (ponds). We are committed to continuing with project after initial 3 months and will also support it through Key Life skills projects
Track record
In 2022, we were awarded Best Disability Tennis Programme: Kent LTA and achieved Highly Commended at LTA Regional level. https://www.mencap.org.uk/blog/storiesfromthenetwork-bexley-mencap Members have also taken part in LTA regional tennis tournaments and we have co-hosted multi-sports community events. https://vimeo.com/oxleasnhs/aldweek2023 2021 Finalist Tech & Digital award: London Sport Awards; creative new approach/innovation in the physical activity/ sport sector and are using it to have a positive impact in London. 3 members have taken part in over 50 GoodGym volunteering tasks using their increased fitness levels to take part in mainstream integrated GoodGym community volunteering activities; we also supported a member to run 100 5k parkruns over a 3 year period after attending our Keep Fit group https://vimeo.com/353983256/398ab4f49b. We also supported a member of staff in 2023 to become an accredited Inclusive Sports Leader via a Disability Sports Coach course.