VIY returned to YMCA North London recently to help residents create a garden space with benches, trellises and raised beds behind the hostel. Power tools and materials were provided by Wickes and plants donated by Edible Landscapes London and by Denise, a former employee. Residents were able to work on the project and have it count towards a City & Guilds in Carpentry qualification. There was a strong contingent of residents who worked hard to set up the garden and help transform the outside space. The carpentry work was new to some people and making garden furniture from scratch was definitely an empowering experience for the residents. Shannon said, “I can’t believe it, I had never used a power drill or a saw before and now I have built this raised bed, on my own!”.
Tracy Crouch, the Minister for Sport and Civil Society, made a visit to see the residents in action, and, thanks to the incredible summer weather, the garden has been getting a lot of use from both residents and staff.
