Foundation Studies students from South Essex College got a great opportunity to complete work based learning for their qualification at the Growing Together site in Thundersley.
The students worked with Trust Links to develop and maintain the gardening site for four weeks, taking part in activities such as planting flower beds and making bean trellises.
Trust Links have transformed pieces of land in Westcliff, Shoeburyness and now Thundersley from flat pieces of grass to community gardening projects. They are also in the process of developing a new site in Rochford.
The sites have raised flower beds, wildlife ponds, log cabins, potting sheds, accessible paths, herb gardens and large lawn areas. They have been designed as therapeutic gardens for activities to accommodate how an individual may be feeling on a particular day.
The Growing Together projects improves mental health and wellbeing, physical health, quality of life, social inclusion, confidence and employment opportunities for members of the community.
Jo McGee, Lecturer in Foundation Studies, said: “My students have really benefitted from the experience of working at the Growing Together site in Thundersley. Not only have they been able to practice work based skills such as following instructions, working as part of a team and developing time management skills, but they have been able to contribute to a wonderful project helping those individuals with health issues in the community.
“The students recognise that they have supported members of the community who rely on this site as it offers friendship, a sense of achievement and wellbeing. We would love to continue the links that we have forged so far and look forward to hopefully working with the project again next year.”
Matt King, CEO, Trust Links added “We are delighted to have hosted South Essex College students at our ‘Growing Together Thundersley’ site over the past four weeks. Engaging with the community and partnering with local institutions is key to ensuring that those most vulnerable suffering from mental health problems know about, and have access to, our therapeutic gardening sites and other wellbeing courses offered by our charity. For anyone who would like to visit our ‘Growing Together Thundersly’ site we are holding an open day on Saturday 17th June, between 11am-2pm as part of the Great British Get Together.”
For more information about the project, visit http://www.trustlinks.org/growing-together-thundersley