The perfect shop space has been found & part of this crowdfunding campaign is to raise funds for the deposit required to secure the shop. If the space cannot be secured, we will seek an alternative space within Barnet & keep all backers up to date. Since Autumn 2016 I’ve been working as the Flower Bank from my kitchen table & I’ve now outgrown it. I collect unbought & otherwise wasted flowers donated by supermarkets & other organisations and re-cycle them to: Run activities in dementia units, mental health recovery programmes & affordable housing for the elderly. Make weekly arrangements for.community groups in Barnet and Haringey with the help of Young Offenders. Create funeral designs for those whose budgets are tight. As The Flower Bank's reputation is spreading I need premises which will become a genuine community hub for floral training, re-skilling & produce exchange where I will be able to work with volunteers & young offenders making sales directly to the public.

What we'll deliver:

• An attractive new location on the High Street
• Day and evening classes in floral craft and design
• A reduction in supermarket waste
• An ethos of zero waste
• Linkages with other local charities who support the work of The Flower Bank
• Work experience for young offenders
• A location for the sale of seasonally grown produce
• Community run help desk providing gardening and growing tips
• Occasional talks on horticultural matters

Why it's a great idea:

This project is unique no-one else is working with supermarkets to help reduce their floral waste in a positive way for the benefit of the community. Working with flowers is incredibly therapeutic. The scent and colour of the flowers have helped evoke positive memories for the dementia patients I run activities with. Young Offenders have developed a new sense of calmness and learned a new set of skills. Feedback from people with mental health issues reveals that their experience has boosted their self esteem and mood. Realising the Flower Bank Hub will be the next step in the development of this project. I envisage that the hub will become a community asset and centre of creativity for N11. The proposed shop is perfectly located midway between the boroughs of Barnet and Haringey and will serve both existing clients and win a whole new audience. It will tap into the growing community spirit in Friern Barnet and bring fresh ideas and energy to the area.

Steps to get it done:

• Hit the target
• Fit out, renovate and re-decorate the shop
• Hold open days for public and press detailing programme of activities and events
• Start serving the community