GROW is a life skills education programme that exposes children to nature, teaches them about nutrition and provides a sustainable source of food for schools and the local community. We want to transform our 6 acre field next to the Totteridge Academy into a vibrant working farm. We will grow enough fresh fruit & vegetables to supply the Totteridge Academy canteen, we'll raise farm animals and keep bees, involving children and the community in every stage. We will run weekly sessions with Totteridge students in food growing, nutrition, yoga and more and we now need an indoor space to help us offer the GROW programme to the wider community. We will run health and wellbeing workshops on site like yoga, calisthenics and meditation. These will be open to children and local residents, creating a much needed community resource. Our HQ will create volunteering opportunities, a multipurpose affordable community space and fresh produce for sale in Barnet. Help us make it happen!

What we'll deliver:

• Appoint architects (Assemble)
• Apply for planning permission
• Build a sustainable outdoor classroom / multipurpose space
• Launch our health and wellbeing programme
• Invite external schools and community groups to enjoy the space

Why it's a great idea:

We are facing an obesity crisis. Nearly 25% of adults in the UK are obese. Grow introduces children to healthy eating, new & exciting foods & physical activity from a young age, giving them the tools to lead a healthier, happier life. We are facing a mental health crisis. Soaring levels of depression and anxiety are affecting adults and children. Our holistic programme of yoga, meditation and breathwork gives children a chance to try a range of techniques that will help them to cope with whatever challenges life throws their way. Children are spending less time outdoors and in green space. Children who grow up with the lowest levels of green space have up to 55% higher risk of developing a psychiatric disorder. GROW makes it easy for children in the local area to get outside, in a safe and secure environment and have fun away from screens. If that wasn't enough, we will also be creating a wildlife haven, encouraging biodiversity to the area & creating a local food economy.

Steps to get it done:

• Appoint Architects (Assemble)
• Finalise design with the imput of the Totteridge Academy students and local community
• Finalise planning permission
• Build classroom
• Launch party
• Launch educational programme for external schools and community groups

Every person who pledges to GROW will be invited to a shared harvest lunch event in September with the very first produce from our farm.