Choices Allotment Club in Leicester has received a grant of £8,853 from the Severn Trent Community Fund. 

The club, which is based at Thornborough Road Allotments in Whitwick was formed to work with adults with learning disabilities who attend Choices4Life Day Centre, expanding the range of activities open to them.

The funding will go towards improving the allotment space and replace a decaying and unsafe shed so it can be used as a classroom. The club will also integrate a water harvesting system and intends to build a pond and composting system.

Installation of a seating area will provide somewhere for those users who are less able to garden to enjoy the surroundings. 

The project, which was launched last year, has already been a great success and the club has now taken on a second allotment. 

Glynis Middleton, a volunteer at Choices Allotment Club, said: “Taking part in gardening activities has been shown to improve the mental health of a wide range of individuals, and is particularly beneficial for those people who have challenging learning disabilities. 

“While the project has so far been managed by donations and support from the Day Centre, in order to progress and develop the project we needed support and this funding from Severn Trent will allow us to progress this project to the next stage.” 

Sue Heyes, Community Fund Officer at Severn Trent, said: “This is a fantastic project and one that we’re really pleased to be able to support through our Community Fund. Broadening social inclusion is really important to us and we are looking forward to seeing Choices’ plans in action.

“We are always keen to hear from groups or organisations that are seeking funding for projects that can make a real, tangible difference to their communities and we recommend that they get in touch to see if they can benefit from a share of the Community Fund.”

For more information on the Severn Trent Community Fund and to find out how to make an application visit: www.stwater.co.uk and search for Severn Trent Community Fund

For further media information: 02477 715 640 or email: media@severntrent.co.uk 

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