C2C Social Action

January 2021

We are delighted to fund a local charity in Northampton called C2C Social Action.  They support any individuals at any stage of the Criminal Justice System by inspiring and motivating them to take personal responsibility for their behaviour, in order to reduce re-offending.

In September 2020, C2C Social Action acquired a triple sized allotment plot and set up a project called C2C Grows. The project is run by a newly recruited Outdoor Learning Support Worker and offers horticultural activities and garden therapy to male and female service users.

The allotment is a safe and empowering setting for service users to connect with nature through the power of growing. The weekly allotment sessions help to reduce social isolation, instill a sense of purpose and increase mental wellbeing. Also it’s a place for service users to meet with social services and their children in care. They can show off what they have grown and build confidence.

Participants can take home fresh produce, as well as herbs and cut flowers that they have carefully grown. Eventually the centre hopes to acquire Dutch bikes with trailers so the users can distribute produce to local food banks, markets and cafes.

Plans are underway to launch an accredited horticultural course so that service users have the opportunity to learn horticultural techniques and skills on the allotment.

Over the last few winter months, the groups have been busy clearing up the allotment and getting the site ready for spring. Some over-wintering vegetables have been planted including broad beans, onions, shallots and garlic. They have harvested Jerusalem artichokes and made soup or roasted them at home.

They have started to build six raised beds from scaffolding boards which will be filled with a mix of vegetable topsoil, compost and manure. The very old rickety shed has been cleared out and a new replacement shed is due to arrive April 2021 to store tools and equipment.