A Knutsford charity which delivers gardening services to those unable to tend their own gardens whilst providing voluntary opportunities for one of the most deprived areas of Knutsford has received a funding boost thanks to Knutsford Town Council.
Knutsford GROW was awarded a grant worth £2,540 through the Town Council’s Large Grant Scheme which offers community groups an opportunity to apply for grants of any value above £1,500.
The charity was awarded a grant package which included funding for rebranding, a new website and uniforms and a gift of new battery powered gardening tools to replace old petrol-powered ones.
The rebrand will allow the charity, which has been operating for 22 years, to relaunch itself to increase volunteer numbers and tend a greater number of gardens.
Knutsford GROW’s work supporting those unable to tend their own gardens helps reduce social isolation and stigmatism, ensures they have safe access to their gardens for healthy fresh air and it stops them having a front garden that could otherwise act as a signpost for doorstep crime.
But their double-sided approach means even more people gain from the charity’s work as Knutsford GROW caters for volunteers with mental health issues and learning difficulties providing them with confidence, increasing their skills and delivering proven benefits from involvement in horticulture.
Karen Williams, volunteer coordinator at Knutsford GROW said “The new equipment is already making a huge difference to us when are working in people’s gardens. All the tools are quieter, portable (petrol garden tools are very big and heavy) safer and cleaner. We have some older and special needs volunteers who can use this new equipment safely and easily.”
If you would like to support this incredible charity, they are currently looking for new trustees to join their management board; if you are interested in finding our more contact Neil Forbes, Secretary and Chairman at secretary@knutsfordgrow.org.uk.