We have just launched a CrowdFunder campaign to improve the outdoor space at WELLIES and need your help!
The Project plan is to approach a landscape/garden designer and task them with creating a tranquil yet useable area that will be suitable for practical activities and reflective purposes. The garden will include a covered decking/veranda area for potting, pricking out, planting and craft activities; an outdoor cooking area; a large communal table with benches for sharing food or working at; a pond/water feature; a tree sculpture; an edible hedge; secluded seating and continued use of the raised beds.
There is a need to increase the useable space as participant numbers are constantly increasing and indoor space is finite. There are c.100 people attending on a weekly basis and there is always a waiting list. The demand for mental health provision in the region is rapidly rising. Work on the project would be scheduled to start September 2019, carried out by the WELLIES participants, volunteers and an experienced PM from within the organisation. January 2020 decide what seeds to buy and crops to plant, the tree sculpture will be ongoing and the pond ready for filling with fish in the Spring. Summer 2020 will see a beautiful outdoor space used for cooking, crafting on the decking, lunches outside, bountiful crops and areas available for reflection and peaceful contemplation.
To pledge your support, simply head to our CrowdFunder page before 29th July 2019 and give what you can. No amount is too small and you will be helping us continue to make a real difference to adults recovering from poor mental health.
Back in March, the WELLIES group were gifted an old vintage tractor to refurbish, now to keep the refurbishment for this vintage vehicle going the group needs an engine hoist. If there were anyone with an engine hoist they no longer need and would be able to gift to the group then it would help move the project forward tremendously. Commented, WELLIES Project Manager, Nick Platt.
The tractor project is aimed at attracting hard to reach, socially isolated people in rural areas who don’t usually engage in similar projects or services.
The group has been working really hard on the tractor and now they intend to start work on the engine. If you think you or someone you know could benefit from taking part in this project then please get in contact with Julie or Nick.
This project is a great way to meet new people but learn some new skills we are hoping that this engineering/mechanical project will attract and engage new people – perhaps older men who have the skills and experience.
Julie White, WELLIES Project Manager says “The group is very enthusiastic about this new project, it’s something really different for them and they are learning lots of new skills.” The group has the ambition to enter the finished tractor in a rally or country show next year. Julie added, “It’s great to see the team really working hard on this. If we could enter the tractor in a small event next year it would be amazing!”
Nick Platte added, “It can be hard to engage older men who are isolated, but this project has helped us to do just that. We are a really friendly bunch and Julie and myself can really see the impact WELLIES it has on people”.
Email: info@growingruralenterprise.co.uk
Call: Julie on 07971 666 474 or Nick on 07767 844 921
WELLIES are looking for an old vintage tractor to refurbish as a project and are reaching out to local people to donate an unwanted machine.
The tractor project is aimed at attracting hard to reach, socially isolated people in rural areas who don’t usually engage in similar projects or services.
We usually do a lot of craft based, cookery workshops and think that an engineering/mechanical project will attract and engage new people – perhaps older men who have the skills and experience.
Julie says
“I would love to have this new project underway for the summer and hope there is someone out there who has a tractor lying around that is being unloved. Perhaps they could even be involved in the renovations as well?”
Nick said
“It can be hard to engage older men who are isolated, so we really hope this project will help to bring them to our group. We are a really friendly bunch and myself and Julie can really see the impact it has on people”.
If you can help in any way please get in touch!
Email: info@growingruralenterprise.co.uk
Call: Julie on 07971 666 474 or Nick on 07767 844 921
