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Go to P3 HousingFrom finding support, to giving back - Sarah talks about her experience as a volunteer at P3's allotment.
Sarah has been volunteering at P3’s allotment plot in Swanwick for the least seven years, after accessing support from DILS (Derbyshire Independent Living Service).
Moving out of shared accommodation into a house of her own, P3 supported Sarah with her independent living skills. Her link worker noticed that Sarah might benefit from wellbeing support and invited her to the allotment.
In the middle of the Derbyshire countryside, the plot is open to people we support as well as colleagues and volunteers twice a week. Its purpose: to give anyone who needs it the chance to improve their mental wellbeing through being close to the outdoors.
Each day provides ‘a sense of achievement’ which is beneficial to Sarah’s health. Her highlight is ‘getting to take fruit and veg home and cook with it – just from a small seed, something amazing grows.’ Not only is the plot an opportunity for wellbeing support but provides fresh produce for people to develop cooking skills with.
Often if there is spare, the group ‘take the fruit and veg that we grow here to local markets like Belper Food Festival and Ripley Spring Festival, and we raise around £50-100 to put back into the project.’
Investing back into the allotment is an investment into the community – an opportunity for people to continue to thrive in the outdoor space.
