Our Community Investment Strategy sets out how we will work with tenants and partners to tackle local issues and create cleaner, greener and safer communities.
As part of this commitment, our Community Fund recently supported a project delivering AQA-accredited greenspace and garden maintenance training to tenants.
Following the training, tenants involved were invited to put their skills into practice by helping maintain the gardens of other tenants who, for personal reasons, were unable to maintain their gardens.
The Community Fund provides funding for projects that have a positive impact on our communities. Green Space Transformations successfully secured funding with the aim to empower and support tenants struggling with overgrown gardens.
The project was led by James from Green Space Transformations, with the valuable help from one of our tenant volunteers, Billie. Together, they contributed to the transformation of seven gardens, making a difference to the community.
James and Billie were an incredible team and their efforts went beyond simply clearing overgrowth. They improved access to public footpaths, created spaces that are easier to maintain and cleared the build-up of rubbish. The project made a huge difference to several tenants, earning the team several brews and even the occasional hug!
One particularly impactful transformation involved a tenant whose back garden had become so overgrown that her daughter could not go outside due to the unsafe condition. The tenant shared the negative effects the garden had been having on her mental wellbeing and following James and Billie’s efforts in clearing the space, she was overjoyed, saying, “We have a garden again!”.
The lasting impact of the project was what drove James and Billie’s efforts. Each garden was transformed into a space that was easy for the tenants to maintain. After each transformation, James worked with each tenant to create a maintenance plan, to ensure the garden is kept in good condition going forward.
James explained:
“We speak to the tenants so that we can understand their circumstances and help them identify a plan to maintain their garden.
"Doing this has led to a 90% success rate in the past. After dedicating our time to help them, it is rare that a tenant doesn’t have a plan in place.”
This approach protects the work already done but also empowers tenants to take ownership of their gardens.
The project was a huge success, not only for the tenants whose gardens were transformed but also for Billie, who is now looking ahead to future opportunities. She is exploring courses with the council to potentially start her own business.
Reflecting on her experience, Billie said:
“At first, when I saw some of the gardens and the work needed, I was nervous, but once I got started, I didn’t realise I would enjoy it so much!”
James has since invited Billie to join him as a coach for future sessions, helping to deliver the project. Billie is keen to encourage other tenants to get involved, sharing:
“Work like this is great for your mental health and more people should get involved.
"In June I was living at The Spires Homelessness Prevention Scheme and just a few months later, thanks to the Green Space Transformations Project, I’m moving towards a career.
“I encourage other tenants to take part. All it takes is to get up, turn up and commit to it”.
The project demonstrates the wider impact of the Community Fund, supporting tenants to gain new skills and improve and contribute to their communities. By investing in projects like this, we can continue to create cleaner, greener and safer communities for everyone.
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