Growing Together: Awards for All Funding : King's Park Gardening Together Project
In the heart of Hackney, within the King's Park Ward, a green transformation is underway. Thanks to the invaluable support from the Awards for All funding, ecoACTIVE is making a profound impact. The King's Park Gardening Together Project is about more than just planting flowers; it's a movement that nurtures physical and mental well-being, strengthens community bonds, and celebrates the potential of green spaces.
Empowering Marginalised Communities
In King's Park, many face the challenges of limited green spaces, inadequate housing, and the harsh realities of the cost of living crisis. These issues are particularly prevalent in marginalised areas of Hackney. ecoACTIVE's mission is to empower individuals and families in these communities, equipping them with the tools to enhance their surroundings and lives. By uniting people from all walks of life, ecoACTIVE is fostering an environment where social interaction and shared purpose thrive.
Bringing the Community Together
The King's Park Gardening Together Project is all about community engagement. It warmly welcomes residents from neighbouring housing estates to join this green movement. Through partnerships with the Kingsmead Community Centre, ecoACTIVE is not only improving the physical landscape but also creating opportunities for people to come together, have fun, and connect. The success of this project relies on the enthusiastic participation of local volunteers who will receive training over 12 months, ensuring its sustainability and impact.
Impact on Well-being and Community
The benefits of this project ripple throughout the community. Participants are reporting increased energy and happiness from being outdoors and working together. Furthermore, social isolation is being addressed, and feelings of belonging to a larger community are flourishing. The shared sense of purpose and support are cultivating an atmosphere of camaraderie, and new skills are being acquired along the way.
Awards for All Funding: Making a Difference
Today it has been announced that, over the last three months, £122 million of vital National Lottery funding has been awarded to over 2,500 charities and community groups in England.
The funding – awarded on behalf of National Lottery players by The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest community funder in the UK - will be used across England by local projects to make a real difference in their community. By addressing local needs, promoting well-being, and reducing social isolation, this project perfectly aligns with the grant's priorities. The funds have enabled ecoACTIVE to provide equipment, staff time, and resources required for this transformative endeavour.
As one participant put it
Being outside in the sun, in nature, and with others has made me feel more energised and happier in general.
The King's Park Gardening Together Project is not just about tending to green spaces; it's about nurturing vibrant and healthy communities. It exemplifies how a simple act like walking and gardening can transform lives, bring people together, and create a brighter future for everyone involved. Thanks to Awards for All, the impact is certain to endure, making King's Park an even more beautiful and united place to call home.
ecoACTIVE Director Jess Dolan explains more about the plans for the Awards for all funding over the next few months;
Upcoming activities include the meadow planting on Kingsmead Estate, plus we would like to run sessions at Kingsmead Community Centre to continue greening up the courtyard there. This funding will allow us to pay for a session worker to attend all the sessions (which we couldn't afford previously). The session worker will bring along some family friendly crafts, games or bug hunting etc, so that the postcode gardener has time to focus on the gardening.
ecoACTIVE is an innovative charity dedicated to enhancing both the environment and the well-being of local communities. Learn more about our new project, The Hackney Buzzline.
