DIG - A unused site in Hanwell. https://vimeo.com/504762676 (for a more detailed video) We want to take this great site and establish a Horticultural Hub to be used by many community groups offering a programme of activities that address mental health, wellbeing, social isolation, social prescribing, special needs, over 60’s., under 30’s. As part of this we will identify and deliver a programme of learning on a weekly basis for those interested in working in the field of horticulture enabling them to have job ready skills. Also including those who wish to attend for their own wellness. This is an amazing space crying out to be fully used - A dedicated hub to be used by a cross section of residents and groups, providing a full calendar of events encouraging community interaction, social inclusion, a sense of civic pride and a growing knowledge in a greener cleaner local area. The organically produced food will be shared by the participants and surplus will be offered to food banks

What we'll deliver:

• Growing thriving 2560 square metre community site
• New community Hub
• Local food producers
• New educational facility

Why it's a great idea:

A community educational hub providing training, food growing, improved mental wellbeing, physical exercise, tackling social isolation and improving the environment. Community groups who have approached us to work in collaboration with them offering their clients a horticultural programme of events - Mindfood, West Thames college, Soup4lunch, Schools - learning outside the classroom. With DIG we would have the site and the expertise to work constructively with these various groups who are keen to have joint ventures as part of their programme of events. Local residents - a new learning and growing green space available to the individual regardless of whether they belong to a bigger group or not. Environmentalists - reducing carbon footprint of food, by growing locally and eating seasonally.

Steps to get it done:

• Preparing the growing beds
• Reskin the Polytunnel
• Buying seeds and plants
• Buying some new tools
• Upgrade the toilets
• Improve the kitchen area
• Community open day
• First workshop of the season
• Project Induction
• Composting Bay

Previously we ran a weekly workshop on this site with Ealing Mencap - due to their cutbacks they had to move off site. - It is now unused. Ealing council are willing to lease it to us to continue it as a community resource.