The Beauty of Our Outdoor Space Tara Kinsella, Food For All Volunteer Co-ordinator This year highlighted the important role green space plays in our lives and the benefits to mental health, which result from spending time outside in nature. The Allotment Project has proven invaluable during these difficult times as a sanctuary for people to reconnect with nature, themselves and each other. Allotment activity was allowed during all restrictions when other projects had to adapt to remote activity. So it felt particularly important to invest time and resources into guaranteeing the experience we offered was safe and supportive. Staff and volunteers worked together to ensure as many people as possible could benefit from the garden, which has served to strengthen and sustain our local community throughout the pandemic. People who had become even more isolated than before, as well as having much less opportunity to be active, were given the opportunity to spend time in the safety of our garden. All the food grown ensured the emergency meals provided by the Food For All catering team were rich in nutrients and we also managed to distribute flowers with these deliveries. Relationships have flourished at the plot whilst people have been unable to see family, colleagues, friends or their support network. People have learned new skills and built confidence with some securing their own allotments with plans to support their communities. Annual Review 2020-21
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