Growing Buddies will champion the benefits of healthy, home-grown food at care homes, carer groups, dementia cafes, walking groups, resident’s associations and at fetes and festivals throughout the district. The buddies will identify those at risk of social isolation, acting as befrienders, and encouraging and supporting them to get involved in the project.

Gardening is a great way to keep active whilst encouraging residents to get involved in growing food and eating more healthily. Growing Buddies will help Breckland’s older residents remain active, and participate and live independently within their communities.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with the scheme, the Growing Buddies initiative is looking for friendly and patient people with an interest in growing food, who are committed to improving their local community. Expert knowledge is not a requirement as training will be given. Buddies will be given public liability insurance whilst volunteering, will receive a branded shirt and fleece, and will be supplied with helpful materials including organic guidelines, fact sheets and a kitchen garden planner. You can volunteer at times to suit yourself and there will be support and guidance from a dedicated co-ordinator.

Alternatively, if you feel you or your group or beneficiaries you work with would benefit from having a volunteer Growing Buddy visit for a ‘one off’ session or on a regular basis, please do just in touch for further details.

If you would like to find out more, please contact Michelle Turner on mturner@gardenorganic.org.uk 07584 583803