I recently met the team at the East Hoathly with Halland Community Garden, a therapeutic gardening project offering support to those with physical and mental health challenges.
The project was established in 2015 by James Hamilton-Andrews and operates from an allotment site owned by East Hoathly with Halland Parish Council. Established as a Community Interest Company, the directors and volunteers are primarily from East Hoathly. The project is actively involved with the local community and those in nearby towns and villages, offering support to people, teaching horticulture, encouraging outdoor activities and healthy eating. One organisation to benefit from this is Tinkers Hatch, a supported living space in Heathfield.
Food is organically grown on the site, with surplus produce given to the Uckfield Fridge. There is also an on-site barrow where seedlings and plants can be purchased and where the funds are used to support the work.
It was a wonderful experience to see the dedication and hard work of everyone at the garden, from those using the garden as a place to learn skills, to the volunteers offering assistance and learning.
I heard from James Hamilton-Andrews, founder and volunteer, who shared his own journey about life growing up in the countryside, how his own illness affected his life, but also how it has driven him to create a space where disability is not considered a barrier to enjoyment and learning. He said: “we are so proud of the work we do and the enjoyment it brings to those who use the community garden. This project is not about what we can’t do with a disability or illness, but about what we can do.”
As with all volunteer groups, they could really do with your help. They are always looking for donations of gardening materials and tools. They would also like to extend their work to support more people in the local area. If you would like to support the work they do, offer a donation, or know someone who could benefit from their service, please get in touch with me or head to their website www.ourcommunitygarden.org.uk.
