CWELL
Project Portfolio
Green CWELL Project Team
Submitted: May 15th, 2020
Contents
SECTION ONE INTRODUCTION ... 4
Project Group: CWELL GREEN Project Group ... 4
Project Title: Southill Hub Community Garden ... 4
Team Members Resumes ... 5
SECTION 2 PROJECT RESEARCH ... 9
Developing a Project Idea ... 9
Site Visits ... 10
Report on the visit to Knocknarawley, Resource Centre ... 11
Report on the visit to the Community Garden, Southill Hub ... 14
Report on the visit to meet Dr Sarah Hayes, at the University of Limerick. ... 15
SECTION 3 PROJECT DEFINITION & PLANNING ... 17
CWELL Green Team Project Proposal ... 17
Stakeholder Analysis ... 18
Project Group Meeting Minutes ... 19
Meeting Minutes: Green CWELL Group 20/09/2019 ... 19
Meeting Minutes: Green CWELL Group 27/09/2019 ... 19
Minutes Meeting Green CWELL 23/10/19 ... 21
Minutes Meeting Green CWELL 08/11/19 ... 22
Minutes Meeting Green CWELL Southill Hub on 21/11/10 ... 22
Minutes of Meeting with Southill Hub Manager & Community Gardener ... 24
Budgeting Costs ... 25
Potential Sources of Funding ... 27
Social Enterprise Development Fund... 27
Resilient Communities Fund ... 27
G.I.Y. - Grow it Yourself ... 28
EPA Theme 2 Sustainability, Climate and Water ... 28
The Ireland Funds Creative Ireland Programme 2017 – 2022, Made in Limerick Grants29 Pobal Community Services Programmes (CSP) under Strand 1 /2 ... 29
Bank of Ireland Begin Together Fund 2020 ... 29
Community Environment Action Fund ... 30
Funding Application to University of Limerick Foundation ... 31
Initial Results Based Plan ... 35
Initial Impact Statement ... 35
SECTION 4 PROJECT PROMOTION ... 36
Traditional Marketing ... 36
Digital Marketing Plan ... 40
Mission, Market Segment & Products ... 40
SWOT Analysis... 41
Competitive Analysis ... 41
Marketing Communications ... 42
E-Marketing ... 43
Price ... 43
SECTION 5 PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION ... 44
Input of Green CWELL to the Southill Hub, Community Garden ... 45
Implementation Plan ... 46
Report from Santa Grotto at the Southill Hub 30th December 2019 ... 46
SECTION 6 PROJECT EVALUATION ... 49
Monitoring & Evaluation ... 49
Revised Results Based Plan ... 50
Revised Impact Statement ... 50
Conclusion - How Covid 19 has affected our project ... 52
Appendices ... 54
Appendix 1 Individual Project Posters ... 54
Appendix 2 Activities Log ... 58
SECTION ONE INTRODUCTION
Project Group: CWELL GREEN Project Group
Project Title: Southill Hub Community Garden
Team Members: Ashley Emwanta, Audrey O’ Sullivan, Ita McGurren,
Cecilia Power - O’ Mahony, Xing Yun Gao
Team Members Resumes
Personal Details
Name: Audrey O’ Sullivan Address: 51 Cherry Drive, Dooradoyle, Limerick
Contacts: Tel: 086 866 5322 E-mail: [email protected] Personal Statement
I am a motivated and conscientious professional who has worked for over 10 years within children’s education. Now I am seeking a new and exciting challenge. Through team collaboration and using my own initiative I have gained much. Successfully achieving noticeable results by being committed and being flexible, which I found invaluable working with people. I am eager to get further opportunities to display my capabilities.
Key Skills Great Interpersonal Skills - Committed Team Player - Excellent Emotional Intelligence – Active Listener- Flexible
Education & Training
Sept 2018 to present University of Limerick, CWELL (Community Wellness, Empowerment Leadership and Life Skills) Diploma Course
Sept 2018 PAUL Partnership. 5 Day, Seminar 2, WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) Facilitation Training
Jan 2018 PAUL Partnership, 2 Day, Seminar 1, WRAP Course Mar- May 2018 11 Week Steps to Success (Personal Development)
Work Experience
Jan 2020 PAUL Partnership,
Position Held: Co Facilitator of a 2 Day Seminar, WRAP Course
May – Dec 2017 St. Mary’s AID, Alms Houses, Nicholas St., Limerick
Position Held: Receptionist (Volunteer) Duties: • General administrative duties • Dealing with clients • Managing bookings
Oct 2016 – Feb 2017 Scarriff National School, Scarriff, Co. Clare. Position Held: Special Needs Assistant
Duties: • Giving high standard of care, always encouraging full school involvement • Support teacher in helping pupils to achieve their potential • Provide extra assistance to individuals who may require it.
Sept 2016 Catherine McCauley Special School, Ashbourne Ave, SCR, Limerick Position Held: Special Needs Assistant (Substitution Work) Duties: As Above
Resume Ita McGurren
Address: 1 The Dell, Huntsfield, Dooradoyle, Limerick Mobile: 0872393220 Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ita-mcgurren-13bb1464 Skills
Strong technical background - Skilled in community work, leadership, and motivational skills Driven Dedicated - People Focused - Strong Team and individual worker with passion for assisting others - Customer Service.
WORK EXPERIENCE
CWELL Project Group Southill Hub, 2018-present
Assisting with creating events - Assisting with fundraising. - Assisting in Eco Garden. Office Assistant Good Shepherd, Limerick, 2018-2018
Assisted with general office duties - Report writing – Filing - Creating forms within Ms Word. Technology Support Person Clare’s Wish Foundation, 2015-2018
Social Media – Events - Fundraising - Supporting Hardware/Software - Use of Ms Office Computer Resource Room Support) Limerick & Clare Education Training Board 2013-2015 Supporting Students and tutors of the computer resource room with general questions - Use of MS Office - Email - Hardware and Software
International Software Support Person Centrefile 1996-2003
Support for users of HR software by phone and by onsite visits - Team leader. Achievers International 1995-1996 Helpdesk Technician
Running and use of UNIX servers - Support of Network Marketing Software and in-house users.
Helpdesk Technician Claris Ltd. 1994-1995
Support of Distributors and End Users of Claris’ software products
PC and Network Support Person Economic and Social Committee, Brussels. 1992-1993 Running and Support of a LAN comprising UNIX servers and PC’s. – Using office software – Project team member.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
• CWELL Diploma 2018-2020, University of Limerick
• Graduate Diploma in Computing 1991-1992, University of Limerick • Computer Applications 1989-1991, Solas City & Guilds
• Bachelor of Commerce 1985-1989, University College Dublin • Leaving Certificate 1985, Laurel Hill Coláiste, Limerick
Hobbies/Interest Arts & Crafts business on Etsy
https://www.etsy.comie/shop/GraGemJewellery Childminding – Guitar References available immediately on request
NAME: Cecilia Power INFORMATION
Address: 112 Greenfields, Rosbrien, Limerick Email:
SKILLS
Good communication Problem solver Teamwork
WORK EXPERIENCE
I worked in Dunnes stores briefly before getting a job as salesperson in a shop in Adare. This was a shop that sold fruit and vegetables, fresh, and health foods. I had the responsibility of opening the shop in the morning, stocktaking, ordering stock twice weekly and packing shelves, as well as being salesperson and dealing with the public. I enjoyed this job very much and was working there for three and a half years. I worked in H Samuel jewellers as a salesperson in 1991.
PROFILE
I am a mother of five, and have, over the years, developed many skills. I am fair to everyone; I am a good listener, always believing that there are two sides to every story. I am compassionate and caring. I am hard working and honest. I have a good sense of humour. I am very interested in health and wellbeing, and the role diet and exercise play in keeping us healthy.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
I completed my Leaving certificate in 1984. I studied foundation year at LSAD in 1985. I have been involved with the Local Education Committee in Our Lady of Lourdes parish for the last two years. I have been with the local Umbrella group for approximately one year. The Umbrella group has representatives from different sections of the community who meet regularly to discuss the issues in the locality. I have completed courses in Health and nutrition and in Food waste management in 2017 and 2018. I am currently on the second year of the CWELL course at UL.
Name: Xing Yun Gao Phone: 087 617 4223 Email: [email protected]
Address: 258 Bru Na Gruadan, Castletroy, Limerick Key Skills
Technical Skills: Labelling & Packaging, Community, Training, MS Office, Documentation, Manual Handing, Bilingual (Chinese)
Knowledge of: Community, Pharmaceutical Science, Health & Safety Awareness, Manufacturing Process, Organizational Behaviour, Strategy Management
Interpersonal: Self Discipline, Attention to Detail, Team Player, Strong Dexterity Skills, Highly Motivated, Highly Adaptable & Flexible, can do Approach
EDUCATION
Sept 2018 – May 2020: Level 7 CWELL Community Development University of Limerick Sept 2019 – May 2020: Level 7 Diploma in Management University of Limerick
Sept 2019 - May 2020: Level 6 Certificate in Pharmaceutical & Medical Device Operations
WORK EXPERIENCE
August 2016 – Present Carambola Ltd Unit B5, Annacotty Business Park, Dublin Rd, Limerick 2002 to 2016 Homemaker, Limerick, Ireland
1998– 2002 ICBC Luoyang Branch (Industrial and Commercial Bank of China) PERSONAL STATEMENT
Extensive experience is gained in a fast-paced food production company holding the role of production operative. I am involved a community event and gained community experience with CWELL course and South Hill Hub community centre.
I am a results-driven person, capable of operating effectively with others and participating in team-related tasks, communicative and personable. I endeavour to improve my career where I can carry on utilise and enhance my skills and knowledge.
I am presently completing a Level 7 CWELL Community and Diploma in Management two courses at the University of Limerick. I have Irish citizenship since 2011 and a full Irish driving licence.
SECTION 2 PROJECT RESEARCH
Developing a Project Idea
In the first year of the CWELL diploma we were asked individually to identify a local community need, to outline this need, to discuss its causes and consequences and to consider how this need might be addressed. The members of the CWELL Green team looked at areas such youth mental health, loneliness in the under 50’s, food waste, the benefits of a community garden and the greening of public spaces.
Following the formation of our group we discussed at length our various individual projects and how we might meet the various needs expressed through one coherent and meaningful project. We settled on the idea of a community garden, a community garden we felt would address both the environmental and mental health needs we had collectively identified. We were also keen that our project should be based on the southside of the city. With this decided we then began the process of researching and visiting community gardens.
We visited the Community Organic Garden in Knockanrawley Resource Centre, Tipperary Town and the Community Garden in the Southill Hub, Limerick
Site Visits
VISIT TO KNOCKANRALLY COMMUNITY
GARDEN
Report on the visit to Knocknarawley, Resource Centre
Ashley and Audrey went to meet with Timmy Whyte, the person who oversees the daily running of the garden. After initially contacting Timmy, explaining our interest in setting up a community garden and asking would it be possible to gather information about the running of such a garden, he kindly agreed to a meeting.
Immediately it was evident that Timmy was passionate about his garden. He gave us a tour, stopping to inform us of the different areas. At the beginning he stated, good accessibility was paramount. From wheelchair room to different height levels of garden areas for the various abilities of people that wanted to avail of this local amenity, is catered for.
As we passed through the entrance an old bath was spotted by Ashley, Everyday items could be considered for use within the garden as a plot of sorts. As we ventured around Timmy spoke about getting a good mixture of species of plants/ flowers/ vegetables to maintain a balance in soil quality. Certain plants complimented each other and provided pollination opportunities. There is deliberate placing of specific plants to attract bees. Other garden friendly creatures that would help eliminate destructive insects were accommodated too. Natural solutions to these problems are best.
For plants that need some more warmth and shelter, there was a polytunnel, which provided an area for this requirement. An example of this were the tomatoes present, which were thriving. Composting was given an area to allow this process to occur. All garden materials were used. The rotation of this material was vital to allow equal distribution, to help break downing of material. Natural fertilizer at hand when needed. After our time in the garden with Timmy, it was teatime. While having our drinks Timmy continued to give us advice. He said that the design of our garden needed to be thought out. What the main elements of it were going to be and working around that.
Advertising was extremely important, Timmy emphasised. Getting the word out, that there is a brilliant local facility which is available to all the community groups from school pupils to older groups and individual alike. Fliers, posters, word of mouth, open days, direct invitations to garner interest with a sense of community being the basis of the garden, needs highlighting. In relation to funding, some of the suggestions given to us was to contact the council, to team up with other organisations that need cash - maybe banding together could strengthen applications made, approaching businesses that might sponsor the garden over a certain timeframe. In exchange for this commitment, the business would get exposure. Nowadays especially, being associated with a green project is priceless.
Insurance was brought up, especially in relation to children. The phrase, children will be children, came to my mind. Being covered properly was important. At the heart of the matter are the people using the garden and what the benefits they receive – social contact, getting exercise outdoors, being therapeutic were some elements that people gained by being involved, Timmy stated. With people’s interest peaked, hopefully would encourage people to
want to help maintain garden for everyone. Before we left, Timmy said if we wanted any further information or help, he would be happy to lend it.
Report on the visit to the Community Garden, Southill Hub
We visited the community garden in the Southill Hub to see if we could get some ideas for our own community garden. Barbara Mulcahy is the Community Gardener in the Southill Hub. Barbara was warm and d friendly. We were all surprised to learn that Barbara is the only one who is taking care of the garden. She explained to us that the garden had gone so overgrown which was obvious to see and that she would love to get it back to how it was before. There was also a lack of funding.
Upon entering the Southill community garden you could see a flurry of activity. People laying stones and Barbara the gardener was in the back working away. Sadly, this is not always the case that this much activity is going on because the garden is quite overgrown and wild and in need of rejuvenation. Barbara herself can only give so much of her time to it. Barbara used to work in the botanical gardens and to her credit was the first lady gardener in Limerick Co. Council.
We first were shown that the garden is suitable for older people and those with disabilities and Barbara has deliberately set plants at varying levels so that you can sit and work. We were shown a polytunnel. It had corn on the cob still growing. Barbara explained that they show the children that come into the garden the corn along with various other vegetables.
She explained about how she loves organic and that nothing in the garden is artificial. She has a wormery which produces organic fertilizer and she puts garlic everywhere to deter insects. Egg shells and coffee granules are put down to deter slugs and other insects. There was however a plant in the polytunnel on which aphids were nesting. She was encouraging this as they eat other insects and keep the place free of them. It was like an insect hotel.
She also had fruits angelica which we all got to sniff. They smelt like the angelica used in baking. There was also blackcurrants and a fine apple tree.
The pond looks sadly neglected. We were sorry to hear that one of the fish had died recently. Barbara puts wood in the middle of the pond to stop ice forming because the noise of the ice breaking burst the ear drums of the fish, she told us.
On the left as you go into the garden you see cold frames again these were quite overgrown. There were the remnants of lettuce and bits of other vegetables. There is also rockery there and Barbara pulled back the dense overgrowth to show that the stones had beautiful engraving on them but due to the overgrowth cannot be seen.
There was a very overgrown compost area in need of tidying up. For the children there is a fairy garden. Once it must have been beautiful and still you can see the fairy doors and other pieces. Barbara like to encourage children to use the garden
There is an area to gather rainwater to water in the summertime. She offered us some of her worm juice fertilizer to take with us then we said our goodbyes.
Following our visits, we as a group discussed various project ideas with a green theme in mind. As a team we were still left undecided about what direction to take our project. The one thing we could all agree on was that there was something special and magical about Barbara and the garden in the Southill Hub. Her dedication and passion really stood out for all of us. We decided that rather than start up our own garden a few miles from Barbara’s garden that it would be more responsible and sustainable community development if we were to work with Barbara to restore the garden at the Southill Hub. Barbara is a lovely lady and the community would benefit so much from what CWELL Green Team could do for it. We could now set about drafting our initial project proposal.
Report on the visit to meet Dr Sarah Hayes, at the University of
Limerick.
We were invited to go to the laboratory in the UL campus by Dr Sarah Hayes. Sarah brought us into the main building where we went to the laboratory. Sarah told us about the work that is done there. She told us that we could use the lab for any work if we needed for example if we needed to find out the medicinal properties of any plants or herbs growing in our garden. She also offered us a meeting room in the building if we ever needed to use it.
From there we went on to see the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals. (SSPC) offices, where we could see the students at work there. Fortunately for us, the weather was good, so we were able to visit the rooftop garden. There are edible plants growing in raised beds. It is very well maintained, and Sarah could tell us all about the plants there and what they could be used for. We were really impressed by how well kept it is, and by the variety of edible plants growing there.
Sarah also offered the use her network of contacts if we needed to get in touch with people that might help our project. For example, the producer of Ear to the Ground or Bord Bias Bloom Event which is from 28th May to 1st June 2020. She even had the offer of trees from
Coillte, the national forestry agency, if we wanted them.
Sarah was very accommodating and enthusiastic about helping us and supporting our project in any way she can. We had an enjoyable morning in UL. It was certainly a worthwhile experience. Many thanks to Sarah for her enthusiasm and support.
VISIT TO UNIVERITY OF LIMERICK
SECTION 3 PROJECT DEFINITION & PLANNING
Having conducted our desk research and completed our site visits we were now able to define our project proposal
CWELL Green Team Project Proposal
•
To restore the community garden in the Southill Hub.
•
To promote community spirit.
•
To make the garden sustainable.
•
To ensure that the garden remains environmentally friendly and inclusive
of everyone in the community.
We plan to do this through volunteering in the garden, participating in planned
events and organising CWELL lead events in association with the Southill Hub.
Planned Events 2020 Listing
February: Newsletter Issue 1, 2020
Marsh: International Women’s Day
April: Easter Family Fun Day
May: South & Proud Event
June: Newsletter Issue 2, 2020
September: Family Fun Day
October: Newsletter Issue 3, 2020
October: Halloween Disco
Stakeholder Analysis
To help us to identify who our stakeholders are and the effect they could have
on our project we competed a stakeholder analysis.
Stakeholder
Name Contact Person/s Level of Impact Level of Influence What is important to the stakeholder? How could they add to the project? How could they block the project? Strategy for engaging the stakehol der Local
Community Karen Centre Manager &
Barbara Gardener
High High Community
Involvement Time, use of facilities, expertise Not give permissio n Telephon e contact, meetings , action involvem ent, Potential
Funders Tesco Roxboro, Homebas e, B & Q
Mediu
m Medium Exposure, publicity Funding, advertisi ng, contact Refuse funding and publicity Promote the hub and our project University of
Limerick Maura Adshead Medium Medium Student participation Provide funding & support Refuse funding & support Meeting
Project Group Meeting Minutes
Meeting Minutes: Green CWELL Group 20/09/2019 Venue: West End Youth Centre
Present: Melissa Keane, Audrey O’Sullivan, Ita McGurren, Cecelia O’Mahony, Xing Yun Gao Ashley Emwata
Start Time: 12.30 Finish Time: 1.00
Discussed: We talked about the possible location of a potential Community Garden. Accessibility/Visibility to/of the garden was an important issue brought up for prospective participants. Costing and facilities needed nearby was talked over. What would be included in the garden itself? Planting of apple trees and herbs such as lavender were suggestions. The concept of within the garden area having an opportunity to recycle as part of the green theme was an idea considered.
Audrey: Contacting Knockanrawley Resource Centre to speak with Timmy Whyte. A meeting in future may be a possibility.
Ita: Looking at possible sites for potential garden area. Ashley: Contacting County Hall
Meeting Minutes: Green CWELL Group 27/09/2019 Venue: West End Youth Centre
Present: Melissa Keane, Audrey O’Sullivan, Ita McGurren, Cecelia O’Mahony, Xing Yun Gao Ashley Emwata
Start Time: 12.00 Finish Time: 12.45
Topic: Exploring various ideas and details for our Green Project.
Discussed: We talked about advertising, what might be effective. Facebook was one option spoken about. In relation to potential fundraising ideas, having fete events, using possible produce from herbs and trees planted- Lavender, Apples. Making into apple tarts, lavender cake, with idea to sell was a possible action brought up. Recycling possibility was another issue talked about.
Action taken I rang various pet shops regarding their usage of animal bedding and their thoughts on an alternative, shredded paper. The manage which whom I spoke said they were satisfied with what they supplied. I looked up various community gardens with an idea to maybe being able to get tips with running one. Land across the road from Xtra Vision in Dooradoyle was looked at as a potential plot that may be used.
Audrey: To arrange a meeting with Timmy Whyte.
Ita: Looking into the running of Southill Men’s Shed and St. Mary’s AID garden, getting ideas e.g. advertising.
Ashley: Will contact Catherine Kirby, Estate Manager, to discuss recycling interest in area and its viability.
Meeting Minutes: Green CWELL, 16/10/2019 Venue: Health Hub, Rutland St.
Present: Eileen Hoffler, Cynthia Adubango, Audrey O’Sullivan, Ita McGurren, Cecelia O’Mahony, Xing Yun Gao, Ashley Emwata
Start Time: 6.30 Finish Time: 9.00
Topic: Progress of Community Project – Community Garden
Discussed: I gave feedback on visit to Knocknarawley Resource Centre, Friday October 11th.
Some of the topics covered with Timmy Whyte, who is responsible for the garden.
Plant mixture needs, Pollination, benefits of garden involvement, funding, advertising importance, accessibility.
Ita had spoken with Barbara from Southill Hub, who works in their garden, regarding the possible availability of allotment.
Eileen spoke with us about what we wanted the outcome of our project to be, research and analysis on the same.
Ideas on what garden activities could be included, one of which was giving gardening lessons to children.
Possible sources of funding were discussed. I suggested that maybe a member of the Green Party might be contacted. Cynthia said that she met Brian Leddin, a member of the Green Party, at times. It was suggested that Barbara may be able to advise us on funding with regards to a community garden. Showing why we deserved funding and what we are achieving is paramount.
Future action: Ita is to contact Barbara again to organise a meeting with her so we can chat about the idea that both parties could work together, for next Tuesday October 22nd.
Minutes Meeting Green CWELL 23/10/19 Venue: CWELL Health HUB
Attendees: Xing Yun Gao, Ita McGurren, Cecilia O’ Mahony, Audrey O Sullivan, Ashley Emwanta, Cynthia Adubango
Start Time: 6:30 Finish Time: 9:00
Topic: Where to locate a viable garden for Green CWELL Project Discussed: Whether Southill Community Garden is suitable for project.
In its favour. Already established, no need to start from scratch. May be a negative as cannot design our own.
Gardener Barbara may give us a plot to work from.
Wheelchair accessibility of garden - May not be wide enough. Irish Wheelchair Association can send along a few people to see if it is accessible.
Need to know whether Barbara is the main person in charge to contact regarding garden. Action Item: Ita rang Barbara to arrange further meeting for the 29/10/19 set for 11am Ita to do some work in the garden on the 29/10/19 Starting at 10am.
Whether we should take up other offers of Gardens. For example, Hunt Museum and Ballynanty Gardens
Funding. Where to find it? Lobby local politicians especially green party.
Action Item: Cynthia to ask green party member for help. Assistance: Volunteer Centre could provide volunteers. Ger Clancy contact. Manager in Southill Hub could help. Ashley to contact.
Action Item: Print pictures make collage for portfolio. Before and After photos needed for the future.
Minutes Meeting Green CWELL 08/11/19 Venue: Our Lady of Lourdes
Attendees: Ita McGurren, Cecilia O’ Mahony, Audrey O Sullivan, Ashley Emwanta Cynthia Adubango
Apologies: Xing Yun Gao Start Time: 12:00
Finish Time: 1:00
Topic: Various issues raised Discussed:
Look for a designated plot in the CWELL eco garden in Southill Hub so we can grow our own and learn how.
Action Item: Discuss with Barbara
Funding. Where to find it? Lobby local politicians especially green party.
Action Item: Cynthia to ask green party member for help. Write up costings of building a garden. Get original blueprint of garden.
To Discuss and learn about organic plants and herbs and what they can be used for. For example, Aspirin comes from willow bark and stevia can be used as a sugar substitute. Action Item: Visit Sarah in UL to see laboratories and discuss.
Themed events in the garden. Link into what is currently happening and make ideas. Treasure Hunt. Christmas grotto. Easter bunny. Family fun days.
Action Item: Ita to consider making a trough for reindeer to kids to put food into. Make reindeer footprints and food for reindeer. Ashley to contact Suzi Cronin. Link in with family fun day occurring on Nov 30
Photographs.
Action Item: Print pictures make collage for portfolio. Before and After photos needed for the future.
Minutes Meeting Green CWELL Southill Hub on 21/11/10 Meeting to agree garden rota
Rota of Availability to work in the Garden Ita: Tuesdays 12 - 2 Ashley: Monday 2- 4 Thursday 2- 4 Audrey: Thursday 4- 5 Cecilia: Tuesday 10- 12 Wednesday 10- 12 Thursday 10- 12 Xing Friday TBC
Minutes of Meeting with Southill Hub Manager & Community Gardener Venue: Southill Hub
Attendees: Karen O Donnell O Connor (Manager), Barbara Mulcahy (Community Garden) Eileen Hoffler, Audrey O Sullivan, Ashley Emwanta, Cecelia Power, Ita McGurren
Start Time: 10.00am Finish Time: 12.00pm
Topic: Discussion on creating a contract between The Health Hub and The Green CWELLS regarding the working relationship between The Green CWELLS, Karen, Barbara, and other staff of the Southill Hub and, all that it may entail.
Discussed: Eileen spoke first about creating a contract between all relevant parties in the Southill Hub especially the Community Garden and the Green CWELLS.
Karen asked about Green CWELLS aim for working with Southill Hub Community Garden. Green CWELL main aims are to help restore and sustain the continuous running of The Community Garden. Helping finding sources of funding, assisting with events to expose The Community Garden to the local population and further afield are further aim - with the hope to encourage their involvement and enjoyment of the garden itself.
Karen spoke about being able to incorporate events that are scheduled already, with ideas that Green CWELL might present.
An event, Santa Grotto that would take place November 30th in The Hub gave us an opportunity to voice examples of ideas that could be used in the garden. A reindeer theme was an option that arose. After Karen needed to leave, we spoke further with Barbara about our ideas and what needed to be done to achieve that.
Items that were talked about using - having a trough, with food inside for the reindeers! Barbara had an idea (that came from Kevin the Carrot!) to plant carrots so the children could pull them for the reindeers to eat. Having something to give the children when they were on the way out of the garden was mentioned so as not to feed just the reindeers! The time that we needed to arrive to prepare the garden was decided.
Future Action in relation to Santa’s Grotto:
Ita : Bringing a trough, which her husband could make for us! Ita stated that she could supply bags to hold the reindeer food.
Cecelia: Providing the carrots to plant in the garden and bird food as reindeer fodder. Audrey: Bringing moss as a base for the bagged food in trough and multi pack of sweets to hand out
Further Action:
Eileen: Drawing up a contract encompassing what was discussed with Karen.
Green CWELLS attending the garden with Barbara and discussing an issues that concern future CWELLS involvement.
Project Finance
Budgeting Costs
At the beginning of our project journey we decided upon establishing a Community Garden with our interest being in creating a green space within an urban setting. Through investigating about possible sites for a community garden in the south side of Limerick city and finding it unsuccessful we changed our thinking. Instead of scouting for unused land for our community garden we started to consider an established garden that may need help with restoration as an alternative idea.
Contact was made with the Southill Hub. Explaining our interest and that of the course we were participating in, a meeting was arranged to introduce ourselves to Barbara who runs the Community Garden. Once it was confirmed that we would be corroborating with The Southill Hub, budgeting costs was one area that came into focus.
Having an established community garden is an advantage in reducing our costs, rather than starting from scratch. Here is a sample, up to now and an estimate of future costing that may be incurred by us and that of community garden.
SOUTHILL HUB COMMUNITY GARDEN GREEN CWELL PROJECT As the garden is already established many costs are covered already by the Southill Hub
including:
Staff & Expertise Barbara and other parties Facilities and Expenses covered
• Water Supply,
• On Site Café • Insurance • Toilets
• Area of garden provide
• Ploy Tunnel Garden Materials • Garden gloves • Knee pads • Spades • Hoe • Wheelbarrow EXPENSES: Staffing
The Green CWELL group by volunteering their time can also contribute to the project. At the meeting of November 21st, the group decided to give approximately 15 hours per week to
working in the gardens. At minimum wage rates (€10.10 per hour) this adds to €151.50 per week.
Office Costings • Printing
• Photocopying and Scanning
Materials contributed by CWELLS to for Santa’s Grotto Event • Wooden Homemade Reindeer Trough
• Wood
• Paint
• Labour 4 hours, • Reindeer’ Food- Birdseed and Carrots
Transport Costs
• Petrol to various meetings
• Visiting Knockanrawley Resource Centre Community Garden for research.
The aforementioned shows the savings gained from an established garden and the expenses that were incurred as well as, the volunteered hour. If the above had to be paid for it would be a considerable expense.
Going forward to promote the community garden which hopefully with begin to engage the locals’ further involvement and nurture community spirit, additional expenses will be inevitable.
We agreed need to gather insight into the real usage of the garden and to consider and what events may be of interest to the locals. We agreed that it would be necessary to hold events to attract locals to the garden. We considered the following when discussing and researching the project budget.
Holding an Open Day was mentioned. Using the on -site café in provided refreshments would reduce costs than getting outside catering. At this event we could provide survey questions to gain information from people as to what they would like from the garden,
Use the Community Bus to transport people to a community event maybe a Community BBQ, This would be another example of how to encourage people to use the garden. The bus would make access to community occasions possible for people who may not be able to access it otherwise.
Getting local sources of potential funding involved, citing that their involvement would help foster community spirit, helping them to provide a positive image to the local people. Examples:
• Sponsorship of the garden et for a certain period • Donations of materials from garden centres and art shops
• Grants from government
Promoting the garden through:
• Radio exposure of different events.
• Fliers posted around the surrounding areas, examples – shops, youth centres, community group venues.
• Annual events for example Easter, may persuade people to attend with family orientated activates -e.g. face painting,
The above are some ways that funding, and publicity may be made available. The Green CWELL’s can assist in this process to help sustain this invaluable amenity. Approaching anyone or companies must first be agreed with the manager Karen to ensure there is conflict of interest. With a rough budget agreed we turned our attention to creating a results-based plan for our project and to securing funding.
Potential Sources of Funding
Social Innovation Fund Ireland
Social Enterprise Development FundIt supports social enterprise that adds social and economic fibre to the community through having a strong effect on society. Southill Hub and community garden certainly provides that. http://www.socialinnovation.ie>sedfund2020
Resilient Communities Fund
The Resilient Community Fund is a partnership between the Social Innovation Fund and Tomar Trust, who aim to find and back innovative projects that strengthen community resilience and have an economic, social, and environmental aspect. The fund provides critical supports to projects focused on making communities across Ireland safer, healthier, and more vibrant places to live. Resilient Communities is a €500,000 and is administered via the Dormant Accounts Fund
http://www.socialinnovation.ie/our-programmes/resilient-communities-fund/
The core values that we hold, are very similar to those of the social innovation fund. We believe in education, particularly in relation to health, food production, environmental awareness, increased sustainability practices, such as recycling, waste awareness etc. We are aiming for community inclusion and cohesion, generating a positive sense of belonging, particularly for marginalised and vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities and ethnic minority groups.
Having sustainable employment and economic development, supporting good quality jobs for all, strengthening Ireland’s business environment, and increasing localised economic development is also part of what the Social innovation fund is doing. We believe that having a community garden is a great way for people to get in touch with nature, to learn more about their health and the environment, composting, recycling, waste and water management and food production and sustainability. The inclusion of all is an important part of what we are working towards. We want to increase community spirit and foster a positive identity and sense of belonging.
G.I.Y. - Grow it Yourself
GIY is a not for profit social enterprise, helping people to grow some of their own food at home, at work, at school and in the community. They are currently supporting over 500,000 people and 8,000 community food groups in the UK and Ireland. The idea of empowering people to grow their own food, aiming to transform people’s health, strengthen the community and protect the environment is exactly in line with what we, the CWELL green team want to achieve.
https://giy.ie/
Environmental Protection Agency
EPA Theme 2 Sustainability, Climate and Water
The current research programme provides funding under the 3 pillars of Sustainability, Climate, and Water. As a Green enterprise, our project would fall into the category of Theme 2 - Health and wellbeing. The health and wellbeing research explored by EPA has four subthemes:
• Ecosystem benefits for health
• Safe water for drinking, food production and recreation. • Clean air and noise.
• Chemicals and other threats.
Other sustainability research themes include: • Resource efficiency
• Natural capital and ecosystem services including soil’s and biodiversity. • Socio economic aspects of a sustainable environment
These research themes fall in line with what we at CWELL are about and we believe that a community garden contributes to many of them at a very basic level.
The Ireland Funds
The Ireland Funds Creative Ireland Programme 2017 – 2022, Made in Limerick Grants
It commits to local communities, by backing incentives that profit communities. Through the services that The Southill Hub and especially what Community garden provides, has a positive effect on the surrounding locality.
http://www.Irelandfunds.org/grants/
Pobal - Department of Rural and Community Development
Pobal Community Services Programmes (CSP) under Strand 1 /2The programme helps advance social enterprises in reducing local social, economic and environment needs that are not met by private/public funding. With this description the Southill Hub is eligible for funding.
https://www.pobal.ie/programmes/community-services-programme-csp/
UL Foundation, University of Limerick
UL Foundation CWELL Project FundingThe Green CWELL project would be eligible for the UL foundation fund because our project fulfils the criteria needed for funding. For example, we are a body of UL and this fund not only helps to create future leaders of industry, it also supports the economy and the future prosperity of Ireland. Our CWELL green eco project supports the locality and promotes community spirit which are the criteria that needs to be met under the fund.
https://ulfoundation.com/
Bank of Ireland
Bank of Ireland Begin Together Fund 2020
The Begin Together Fund provides valuable investment for community initiatives making a difference. I believe the CWELL green eco project makes a difference to people’s lives in the community by improving their wellbeing. Having an amenity in the area that fosters community spirit and connectiveness, encourages diversity and inclusivity and makes things better for everyone. Bank of Ireland supports these kinds of initiatives and work in communities across Ireland. They want to get behind those trying to make the lives of others in their communities better by improving their financial, physical, and mental wellbeing. They want to help them to succeed.
https://www.communityfoundation.ie/grants/types-of-grants/bank-of-ireland-begin-together-fund-2020
Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment
Community Environment Action FundA wide variety of projects and schemes are supported under the Community Environment Action fund including community gardens, allotments and compost schemes, rainwater harvesting systems, educational initiatives, and environmental exhibitions. The Green CWELL eco project is a community garden and is eco-friendly with plans to make the garden sustainable, green and to hold events and activities which foster community spirit and inclusivity. As such the project would be eligible.
https://www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/environment/topics/environmental-protection-and-awareness/local-agenda-21-partnership-fund/Pages/default.aspx
Funding Application to University of Limerick Foundation
CWELL Projects Funding
Application Form
SECTION ONE – CONTACT DETAILS
Applying Project Name: CWELL Green Community Project
Please list the name and contact emails of the project group members: Ita McGurren [email protected]
Audrey O’ Sullivan [email protected] Ashley Emwanta [email protected] Cecilia O’ Mahony [email protected] Xing Yun Gao [email protected]
Please nominate one of the above as the main contact for this application. Nominee: Ita McGurren
SECTION TWO – OBJECTIVES & PROJECT OUTLINE
Part A: Objectives
(i) Describe the main objective/s of your project
o To Foster Community Spirit and connectiveness o To encourage diversity and inclusivity
o To enhance the existing garden in an eco-friendly manner in the Southill Hub. Part B: Project Outline
(i)Outline the project/service for which you are applying for funds
We are applying for funding for regenerating an existing garden in an eco-friendly manner in the Southill Community Hub.
(ii) What need does this project/service meet? The project meets a need to engage community involvement via the local community garden.
(iii) How was this need identified?
The need was identified because we did research in other community gardens. During this research, we went to the Southill Hub and discovered the garden was being under-used. In talking with Karen O’ Connor O’ Donnell and Barbara Mulcahy we discovered a need to regenerate the garden for the benefit of the community.
(iv) How does the proposed project/service meet this need?
There are not enough community gardens being fully utilized to increase wellbeing, inclusivity, and a sense of community.
(v) Please indicate the amount applied for and give details of how it will be spent?
Quantity Cost Total
Hoes 3 12.00 36.00
Shears 3 25.00 75.00
Rakes 2 15.00 30.00
Adult Gloves 1 5.50 5.50
Children’s Gloves 1 Box 15.00 15.00
Children’s Wheelbarrow 1 30.00 30.00 Birdboxes 2 13.00 26.00 Packets of Seeds 5 1.50 7.50 Garden Signage 20 4.50 90.00 Garden Hooks 5 3.20 16.00 Signage Paint 1 7.00 7.00
Easter Egg Hunt 150.00
Christmas Event Materials 50.00
Valentine’s Day Materials 50.00
SECTION THREE – BENEFICIARY PROFILE
(i) Who are the main beneficiaries?
The main beneficiaries are everyone who lives in the community in the surrounding area. (ii) How many individuals/families will benefit?
Many families in the locality will benefit through our events both past and future and those of the Southill Hub generally.
SECTION FOUR – PROJECT EVALUATION
(i) What is the desired impact of the project/service?
The desired impact is inclusivity, fostering community spirit, more awareness for the Southill Hub, get people involved in local activities and foster a sense of belonging.
(ii) How will you measure the success of your project/service?
We intend to engage with statistic gathering. We will meet to garner response and success with the management of the Southill Hub.
SECTION FIVE – FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
(i) Have you received/ applied for funding for this project from any other source? No, we have not applied for previous funding.
(ii) If unsuccessful in this application how will you fund this project?
We will fund the project though our own fundraising efforts local to the community.
(iii)How do you plan to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the project/service? We will keep applying for funding and hold regular events and look for donations.
SECTION SIX – STAKEHOLDER & PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
(i) With which statutory bodies are you currently engaged? We are not engaged with any statutory bodies.
(ii) How are the beneficiaries of your project included in your project management? We hold regular meetings with the management of the Southill hub and garden.
(iii) Does your project undertake advocacy work and seek to influence public opinion/public policy? If yes, please provide at least one example. If no, do you have plans in this respect? Our project does undertake advocacy work or seek to influence public opinion. We have no plans currently to do so.
On behalf of the Green CWELL Project I confirm that the information supplied is correct to the best of our knowledge.
Initial Results Based Plan
Initial Impact Statement
IMPACT STATEMENT
The impact we would like to achieve going forward is for the Community
Garden to be more vibrant and viable.
We would hope the garden would have a lot more community engagement.
The garden would act as a great resource for the community.
It would be a lot more user friendly inclusive and welcoming to all.
SECTION 4 PROJECT PROMOTION
Traditional Marketing
Digital Marketing Plan
Mission, Market Segment & Products What is purpose of your digital marketing?
Educate, inform, e-commerce? To educate and inform the local community and beyond about regenerating a garden. Who do you want to attract? Describe them in terms of:
Age and Gender: All ages and gender especially primary school level
Occupation: All occupations Education: All levels
Internet competency levels: basic to medium internet level needed to access online information.
Values and beliefs: Belief in community spirit, inclusivity, values and morals and green awareness.
What type of product/services are
offered? Community garden, activities, and events within a community centre.
What additional product/services could
you offer? Various Events, time of year dependent, classes, workshops, selling garden produce.
SWOT Analysis
What are your digital marketing Strengths?
Facebook page and newsletter established in the Southill hub we can contribute to.
What are your digital marketing
Weaknesses? A percentage of the audience are not technical, GDPR issues. What are the Opportunities for your digital
marketing? To promote the garden, events, and activities.
What are the Threats to your digital
marketing? Small audience, Trolls, maintenance, need to be tech savvy
Competitive Analysis
Who are your competitors? Other community gardens, Other groups, Other groups receiving funds.
What digital marketing strategies do they
employ? Social Media Platforms, connect with other groups.
Questions Your Answers
What is Your digital marketing
Competitive Point of Difference? We are promoting inclusivity. Regenerating our eco-garden is unique and different. Family events bring the community together.
What statement best describes your
website/digital marketing? To promote inclusivity and green awareness.
Marketing Communications
What are your promotional goals for your
digital marketing? To have a wider audience on Social media to include twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and to have a Green Eco Garden Newsletter.
Who is your target audience? Those interested in helping in their local community and possible stakeholders.
What are the best channels of
communication to reach them? Twitter? LinkedIn?
All digital marketing channels. LinkedIn to attract stakeholders.
What is your digital marketing/websites’
feature? They feature aspects of community life and promote events taking place in community What are the advantages of your digital
marketing/website over competitors? Active up-to-date posts and documenting events. What are the benefits to customers of your
digital marketing/website? Resource to find out what is happening and what they can attend in the local community What evidence do you have? Documentation of events that have taken place, posters,
photographs
What proof do you have? Southill Hub Facebook page, Newsletter How would you measure the success of your
digita marketing/website? Success can be measured by noting physical attendance at events and in the future via questionnaire’s
E-Marketing
What ideas, strategies & tactics will be most effective in attracting an audience to your website?
The appeal on contributing to a local community
especially parents who will be interested in their children attending events.
How will you build an online relationship
with clients and prospects? By writing regularly interesting, appealing posts about events and happenings taking place, by appealing for funding, assistance, by providing feedback and answering any questions.
How can you increase the stickiness of your
website? By keeping a regular online presence.
Price
What is the demand for your product
online? The local community and wider areas would be interested in what is happening in the Southill Hub area and as such could attend events or otherwise support it. Demand would largely be local to the community.
What is the perceived value of your
product/service? The Value would be increased awareness of garden activities and events within a community centre, about green awareness and inclusivity.
How will you charge for your product or
service? A small fee may be charged for events.
What is the budget for your digital
marketing plan? We have applied for funding for essential garden equipment and event running material. We also intend to attract stakeholders who may contribute financially.
Questions Your Results
SECTION 5 PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION
Input of Green CWELL to the Southill Hub, Community Garden
By Barbara Mulcahy , Community Gardener, Southill Hub
Autumn 2019 CWELL students visited the Southill Hub and discussed with Barbara Mulcahy, the Community Gardener, how best to support the work of the organisation. The Southill Hub was delighted that the students were interested in supporting the community garden and it was a very timely offer as Barbara is part time and needed support to promote and develop the community garden and fresh ideas are always welcome.
The group met shortly after to plan the first piece of work for a Christmas activity
Southill Hub runs a Santa’s Grotto for the community each year and the students worked with Barbara to provide an extra element of a “reindeer station”
The students worked with Barbara to tidy and organise the garden and provide a carrot patch for the children to dig for carrots for the reindeer on Christmas Eve. The group also set up a wishing chair for the children and facilitated this on the day. This worked very well as it drew the community members’ attention to the garden, many had never been in the garden before and expressed interest in returning
The group met again after Christmas to plan a project for Valentine’s Day and organised a “love bug” hunt in the garden for children and took the lead on a jewellery event for boys & girls.
The group next met to plan on how they could support the Southill Hub Easter event, unfortunately this was unable to happen, and the work had to stop as the Southill Hub had to close due to COVID 19
Barbara would like to thank the students for their help, encouragement and enthusiasm and looks forward to working with them again in the future – post Covid 29
Implementation Plan
There were 3 parts to our plan
1. Build relationships by volunteering in the garden 2. Assist with planned events
3. Run an event in collaboration with the South Hill Hub Community Garden
We succeeded in completing part 1 and 2 and were well advanced in planning part 3 but were unable to hold the event because of the Covid 19 lockdown.
We began by volunteering regularly in the South Hill Hub Community Garden the idea was to help Barbara with maintaining the garden. This led to our helping with planned garden events. The first such event was the Santa Grotto event.
What a wonderful time of the year Christmas is. The CWELL Green Team certainly thought so. We brought some cheer right in there! Firstly, a little Santa’s helper made Santa’s Trough from leftover wood, Beautiful red paint then went on it and some stickers of all the reindeers. It turned out wonderful. This was brought down on the day and all the little kids were delighted.
The CWELL Green Team met up to make reindeer food the day before consisting of a variety of seeds and nuts with food colouring (all organic) which we placed in little Christmas pouches. The idea being that the kids could bring them home to feed the reindeer on Christmas Eve. The garden was done up beautifully with a wishing chair for the kids made mainly by Barbara the Gardener, a Kevin the Carrot, carrot patch for the kids to pick a carrot to feed Rudolf and his team and there was a sapling they could bring home to plant in their own garden. Santa had a ton of sweeties too.
The kids would come in all delighted and full of Christmas cheer and would be fussed over by the team. Their parents would possibly take their picture on the wishing chair or picking one of Kevin’s carrots to bring home. Each family got a sapling if they wished going home.
The saplings Barbara told us were Silver Birch. Silver Birch have a beautiful white bark and would eventually grow to 20 or 30 feet, also because they would not produce many leaves so they would not overshadow a garden.
The Garden itself looked magical. Always lots to do in a garden never finished. Wintertime saw the garden being trimmed back and lots of work done to tidy up. The CWELL green team had been down to help with this quite a few times.
There was lots of fun as parents and their children came and went and the CWELL team had fun too. We all wore Christmas attire and festive hats and we even put a recording of Christmas music into the Garden and we might have danced around a bit when no one was looking!
All in all, the day went well. Lots of “Ho Ho Ho’s” had and even Santa made an appearance to sit in the Christmas wishing chair and make a wish and have his photo taken.
PROMOTING BARBARA’S GARDEN AT
CHRISTMAS
SECTION 6 PROJECT EVALUATION
Monitoring & Evaluation
The Southill Hub does not keep details of the numbers of people using the garden there is no “sign in” book or other means of registration. There is also a reluctance to introduce such as system in case it discourages community members from using the garden. As a group we respect that decision but not being able to assess current level of use of the garden makes it difficult for us to produce evidence of the true impact of our project. Having discussed this with the centre manager we agreed to do a head count at our next event and to gather information by way of a short survey see appendix 3
We have been and would like to continue to collaborate with the Southill Hub on their planned events. We also planned to host an event of our own possibly in March or at Easter time.
At this event we planned to get some feedback from the local community about the garden and events there. What we would like to find out
1. Do they use the Community Centre regularly and would they come out to the garden? 2. Would they go to an event if it were on?
3. What kind of event would they like to see there?
4. Would there be anything they would like to see added to the garden?
Having worked on the project for several months we reviewed our original results- based plan and impact statement.
Revised Results Based Plan
Summary:
Community development is the country’s foundation. We would not be successful without collaboration with South Hill Hub and lecturer’s support. Now the positive and trust relationship build in with organizer South Hill Hub. Green Team focus on a long-term plan which can sustainability develop in the South Hill Community garden. The green team project provides the social active centre through the green gardening project. The community promote people of all age’s wellbeing, share knowledge, empower local communities, and provide social support as well as to form new friendships with like-minded people.
Revised Impact Statement
What impact we can expect from our involvement in the community garden in Southill hub? • We, the CWELL green team, have a restored, sustainable, and environmentally friendly community garden as our project, because we believe passionately in the positive impact that it will have on both the physical and mental welfare of the local community. The garden is there and always available to those who want to visit.
• The opportunity is there for individuals to come and relax. They can socialize and meet neighbours and friends. This would have a positive impact on their mental health, combating isolation and loneliness.
• Having a space in the community where there is a relaxed atmosphere, can help to foster the development of a community identity and spirit. It can bring diverse sections of society together, where they can work and learn from each other and make friends.
Green CWELL Revised Results Based Plan
Monitoring and Evaluation – How will you Review your Progress
Situational Analysis Inputs Activities/Output Short Term Outcomes Long Term Outcomes
Disconnect in most urban communities.
People love nature to do garden work. But if you living in an apartment, you couldn’t enjoy the garden fun.
We discuss the project: recycle station, youth club community.
Final CWELL Green Team engage with South Hill Hub Community Centre.
The project needs the team member to involve a practice community worker.
Green Team contacted the city council to look at the resource, visit the Tipperary community garden.
Team Meeting every Friday in Youth Club Centre
Phone contact the South Hill manager.
Sign the agreement with South Hill Hub Community Centre.
Planning the Christmas reindeer theme family garden visit.
Team members interactive with the visitors at all the event.
The flyer made by the South Hill Hub, the green team as collaboration.
The team contribute the reindeer slot. Decoration for the garden trees, and gift for the event.
The kid's jewellery workshop hold successful in the Valentine’s Day 2020
So far, we plan during school break holiday will involve the CWELL Green Theme activities in the South Hill Hub.
Good collaboration builds and looking forward to continuous improvement in the garden.
The green team recognized by the South Hill Hub organization and local resident.
Attract all age of people walk into the community centre
Education children garden knowledge. Provide garden practice opportunity.
Looking business sponsor for the community.
Improve the garden facility and education for the younger kids and encourage family involvement.
People enjoy the community in leisure time have communication, food, exercise, training.
People aware to care about the community and interactive each other.
Green team the theme that with the community people benefit from physical and mental health.
Encourage corporate social responsibility.
Continues provide garden Education
It would be a focal point for community events and can provide a place to deal with any social issues that arise. It would also be an investment in the future generation, helping to build community leaders.
Opportunity to learn
• There has been a decline in the health of city dwellers due to a combination of factors, including lack of exercise, stressful lifestyles, air pollution, poor nutrition, and lack of education regarding their health. In having a place like a community garden, people can do light to moderate exercise, this is known to be beneficial for mental health as well as physical health. Anyone who works outdoors in a recreational capacity experiences a reduction in stress levels. A garden is an environmentally friendly area where people can enjoy nature and get a break from the noise and pollution that is part of everyday life in the city. Visitors to the garden can learn about horticulture and sustainable environmental practices such as composting and recycling, which they may be able to adapt to their own homes and educate their families about too.
• If someone has learned how to grow something that they can eat, they may want to do that in their own garden as well, which could supply them with a source of fresh, organic, nutrient rich foods.
Sustainability
• The full impact of having a community garden, which is welcoming and accessible to all, will only become known over a long period of time. It takes a lot of hard work and skill to build a garden, apart from the fact that funding is needed for equipment, plants, and seeds. Events are held regularly to raise awareness of the garden and to ensure that the local population feel it is their place and feel welcome there. However, we believe that the people living in Southill deserve to have a beautiful garden to enjoy, socialize and relax in, and also to reap the benefits of their own work as they engage with the community in their own garden. How do we know that our project is a success?
• We could have all the work done, and have a beautiful community garden available to all, but we want to see that it is being used. Our target, in this case, is the local community of Southill, as the surrounding areas. We would like the local people to engage with the garden more than ever. We can tell from the events that we held at Christmas and Valentine’s Day that people are willing to engage, particularly if they have children. Naturally, there is going to be an increased footfall for occasions such as these. However, we would hope that the engagement with the garden would be ongoing. This could be measurable only to a certain extent, and over a long period of time. We could organise a survey, but feel that may be counterproductive, that it would put people off coming to the garden if they felt they were going to be questioned about it. We would prefer a more casual approach, where we could chat with visitors and ask them what they think, what they want to see happening with the garden or any events they would like. This could give us something to work towards and, more importantly, give the people who use the garden some input into future plans there.
