Voices

The neighbourhood, in its own words.

Voices

The neighbourhood, in its own words

After I lost my husband the house went very quiet. The Tuesday lunch club gave me a reason to get dressed in the morning. Now I'm the one who saves a seat for the new faces.
Marcia, 71Connected Elders
My son was climbing the walls over the summer. The holiday club fed him, ran him ragged and brought him home happy every day. As a single dad on shifts, it was a lifeline.
Dele, 38Youth & Play parent
I came to the garden for the veg and stayed for the people. Six months later I'd done a course, found part-time work and made the best friends I've had in years.
Hannah, 29Community Gardens
We brought our whole team for a volunteering day and built the new raised beds. Best thing we've done together as a company — half of us have been back on weekends since.
Tom, 45Corporate partner

In their own words

More from our community

Little moments, big differences — the kind of thing people tell us over a cuppa.

"I only signed up to fill a few empty Saturdays. A year on, the garden crew feels like a second family — and I'm the one showing the newcomers where the watering cans live."

— Aisha, volunteer

"At my age you start to feel a bit invisible. Out here with my hands in the soil, the young ones actually ask me how I grow my tomatoes. That's worth more than any prize marrow."

— Mr Okafor, gardener

"My girl comes home from youth club worn out and full of stories. For the first time in ages I get to put my feet up knowing she's somewhere safe, fed and properly looked after."

— Leah, youth club mum

By the numbers

Behind the words

8,600people reached a year
540active volunteers
24neighbourhoods served
31green spaces grown

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