We are a multi- generational, community based, voluntary organisation and Charity located at a farm with woodland (near Bangor, Co Down)
Our aims
• To promote health and well being through structured outdoor activities and social connection
• To demonstrate environmental and social sustainability through compassionate farming and permaculture
• To promote self –help and awareness through information, training sessions and progression activities
We have 14 acres of mature and newly planted woodland and 4 acres of community socialising and growing space.
Our main aim is to serve our members, many of whom are marginalised and living with disability in our local community.
We also deliver activities to other community groups and organisations and collaborate with partners such as L’Arche and Action Mental Health, youth schemes and neighbouring community associations in order to build understanding and greater opportunity.
This allows our members the opportunity to mix with others from different backgrounds and experiences and enables us to demonstrate our model for community supported, health and wellbeing to other groups.
Here are some links to more information about us.
Website: www.growingconnectionsproject.org.uk
blog: http://growingconnectionsni.wordpress.com/
Short video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yhw4kvQ5xm0
We have been developing a small holding demonstration site and running workshops on, woodland managment, building out of sustainable materials, growing vegetables and herbs and setting up community farms and gardens. We have growing space for individuals and those wanting to grow in a group.
Our most recent funding, focused on suicide prevention and the promotion of smoking cessation. Any one can join the workshops and we are particularly interested in inviting those who smoke or have a mental health concern. If any applicants have a current mental health concern they can complete a referral form and risk assessment with their support worker.
There were lots of fun group activities and ‘one to one’ support. Our team leaders and support workers are trained in brief intervention and mental health and we had a support worker on site each day to coach those who want to change their habits and to guide them to use the smoking prevention service at GPs and Pharmacies.
We have volunteers from many different walks of life. Some are carers and/or have mental health issues. Some are deaf or have mild physical disablity. Others are unemployed , retired or low waged. Some are from the LGBT community or from ethnic minorities. We all enjoy working outdoors and making a difference together.
[youtube Yhw4kvQ5xm0]
