Groundwork NE & Cumbria’s Health, Exercise and Allotments (HEAL) runs every Tuesday afternoon, inviting residents of Middlesbrough to get involved in weekly supported environmental activities run from the new Jellystone Community Education Resource Centre off Eden Road in Grove Hill.
The sessions are targeting individuals that are looking to:
- Increase their physical activity levels
- Improve their understanding of the benefits of healthy eating and physical activity
- Start or increase healthy eating
- Learn how to grow fruit and vegetables cheaply
- Increase their self-esteem and confidence
- Start doing some light outdoor exercise
- Get an opportunity for social interaction
The HEAL project is free to join, Groundwork are delivering the first sessions in mid-February 2016 which will run until late November. No previous growing experience or knowledge is required as all training will be provided on site.
Sessions include: how to grow your own fruit and vegetables – site preparation, basic maintenance, how to harvest and preserve your produce, wild food and foraging skills, fun outdoor exercise sessions, guided walks around local parks and family fun sessions during school holidays.
Lisa Locke, Programme Co-ordinator at Groundwork NE & Cumbria, said: “Groundwork NE & Cumbria is excited to be delivering the HEAL project for the first time in Middlesbrough after past successes in other local areas”
Jayne, a HEAL participant in Stockton, said: “I think growing your own and also saving money on food has been lost in this generation, so it’s good to learn the skills. I have now taken on my own raised bed in the family area of the Port Clarence allotment and have even got my children interested in growing food too!”
Regular participation can help to create a positive weekly routine, enables the development of new skills and can help to prepare some people to progress to other volunteering opportunities or paid work.
If you or someone you know would like to get involved, please contact Laura Henry at Groundwork NE & Cumbria on 01642 815663 or laura.henry@groundwork.org.uk