Ayrshire & South of Scotland
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Girvan’s Community Garden
By establishing a community garden on a patch of waste ground, Girvan’s Community Garden project, run by Make it Happen!, aims to benefit people over the age of 50 by increasing general activity and reducing isolation, whilst improving the broader community.
Run predominantly by the over 50s, the project will provide a range of opportunities to promote better physical and mental health. Allotments and greenhouses will be created, offering the chance to grow plants and vegetables. Those with gardening skills will be encouraged to share their knowledge with other volunteers and community groups.
Activities involving local schools and young people, including environmental workshops and mentoring, will foster stronger relationships between young and old - important for combatting age discrimination. Plans for a wildlife area and space for events such as barbecues will provide the wider community with an attractive and welcoming area where they can socialise.
Backing on to a special needs school, Girvan’s Community Garden will have a strong relationship with those who experience learning difficulties and a sensory area is an important part of their plans. The experience of wheelchair users will be made more positive and inclusive by the incorporation of raised beds.
Girvan’s Community Garden aims to become a place where people of all ages can come together, or simply enjoy a moment of peace and quiet.
What the group says:
Why should people vote for you?
We are an enthusiastic and dedicated local voluntary group with big ideas! Our project will provide a wonderful facility for older people to come together and guide the process of creating a garden for the whole community. We want the opportunity to establish an attractive working environment which will inspire people and sustain wildlife for years to come.
What will you spend the money on?
We will spend the money on, for example, delivering training courses for local people such as first aid at work, health and safety, practical garden courses which will incorporate drystane dyking and path laying. Running educational and mentoring courses are also a very important part of the project. We would also like to include creative workshops such as sculpture, mosaic work and painting. We want to provide job opportunities in the garden. The money will also be spent on practical elements; designing and landscaping to create the garden and following on with the provision of seating, shelter, workshop hut, toilets and gates.
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