Community garden in Loughton to flourish thanks to funding boost
20th October 2021
A volunteer community garden project in Loughton has received a welcome funding boost to continue providing healthy outdoor activities for local people and support mental well-being.
Restore Community (RC) received £4,000 from the independent charitable trust, Essex Community Foundation (ECF).
RC supports people of all ages and helps to meet the needs of local communities in West Essex. As well as their impressive community garden, they run the Oakwood Hill Community Centre in Debden where a range of activities for children and young people take place, including holiday clubs where the children who would normally receive free school meals can engage in crafts, sports and they also receive a hot lunch.
In addition, they offer support services for vulnerable residents and those needing help with accessing local services.
Jo Mackey, Head of Restore Community said, “All of the projects benefit the local community, including low-income families who are unable to afford the mainstream playgroups and activities for their children. The Community Garden has been particularly helpful to people who have felt isolated after the COVID-19 pandemic and who have found a sense of well-being by being able to volunteer.
“Everything we have achieved in the GROW Garden has been the collective effort of people in the community who have come together and volunteered their time to create this inclusive and supportive space.
“The social connections and friendships formed are an important part of our project and this helps to combat social isolation.
“The Garden is open twice a week and we also host a group of adults with learning difficulties and a group of young people with special educational needs and complex disabilities who work alongside our community volunteers.
“We love growing organic fruit and vegetables together and everyone who joins us experiences the benefits of social connection, physical activity and teamwork.”
The High Sheriff of Essex, Simon Brice, visited the community garden and surprised Brian, a garden volunteer, by presenting him with a High Sheriff certificate.
This was in recognition of Brian’s dedication and contribution to the gardening project.
Simon said: “This Award is thoroughly well-deserved. Brian is one of their core volunteers and I was told that he always goes the ‘extra mile’.
“Brian attends every session, all year round, and helps the other volunteers, some of whom have special needs and disabilities, to ensure that they can meaningfully take part and contribute to the project.
“He brings vast experience and knowledge of both gardening and construction to the site and during my visit I was very impressed with the brilliant work that is being done at GROW. They have such a positive impact in the local community and help to bring people together.”
Jo added, “Brian is a real asset to the community garden – he is the brains, the brawn and the heart of all that we do.”
If you are a local charity or voluntary organisation that is in need of funding to support your work, please contact ECF on 01245 356018 or click here for more information.
Former Loughton teacher awarded BEM in Queen’s Honours
15th June 2021
A former teacher from Loughton, who has committed her life to bringing people together and helping those in need has been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
Joyce Obaseki has been awarded a British Empire Medal in recognition of her hard work and dedication after founding Grant a Smile six years ago.
She launched the not-for-profit after discovering that there was no support available for children like one of her pupils, who came to school in a dirty uniform because his mother, who had cancer, was too ill to provide him with clean clothes.
The boy was being bullied at school because of his unkempt appearance and Joyce became determined to give youngsters like him the help they need.
Grant A Smile gives free practical support for eligible families whose home life is affected by serious illness. They also try to grant special wishes for children and Joyce has set her sights on expanding the organisation’s work to help vulnerable and elderly people.
Joyce said, “I was so surprised when I heard I was to receive this award. I had no idea I had been nominated and it was such a shock to get a letter from the Cabinet Office. It gives recognition to the organisation and particularly our work during the pandemic.
“I want to thank everyone for helping us to stay consistent and keep our mission alive. I am so grateful to have such a wonderful team of volunteers who I believe are the true Smile Heroes. I could not do the job without their support.”
Grant A Smile has also received a grant of £11,540 to support their work from the local independent charitable trust, Essex Community Foundation.
Caroline Taylor, chief executive of ECF, said: “Joyce is a real community champion and it is brilliant to see her get this recognition for all her hard work. Working within her local community, Joyce and her team can identify and support people who are in need and quickly get them the help that they need.
“During the coronavirus pandemic, Grant A Smile had to prioritise their efforts to help the families in greatest need and we were pleased to support their vital work distributing food parcels in the Loughton area”.
For a full list of everyone who received an Award in Essex this year, click here.