Teamwork helps transform local allotment into thriving community space

A much loved Salford community group has celebrated the transformation of its allotment, thanks to support from Salix Homes and their trusted contractor Emanuel Whittaker Ltd.

The Lower Kersal Young People and Community Group (LKYPCG), a charity rooted in the heart of Lower Kersal and Broughton, was first awarded £1,000 from Salix Homes’ Community Springboard fund earlier this year to host a VE Day celebration for its customers and volunteers.

After the success of that project, group leader Thomas Lever MBE reached out to Salix Homes for help with improving the group’s allotment on Littleton Road, a space central to its healthy eating, intergenerational gardening, and wellbeing work.

“With support from Salix Homes, we knew we could make the allotment safer and more welcoming for everyone,” said Thomas. “These improvements will benefit our group and the whole community for years to come.”

Salix Homes talked to their partner Emanuel Whittaker, who offered to help as part of their social value work and they didn’t wait around, the company carried out new path and flagstone work, replaced an old shed with a new one, and donated gardening tools all free of charge. The work was finished earlier this month, and on Friday 24 October, the group held a small event to celebrate.

Terry, from Emanuel Whittaker, said “It’s been great to be part of something that makes such a visible difference. I hope everyone enjoys the space and benefits from it.”

The Salix Homes team toured the site with Sam, a full time member of staff who’s been part of the project for three years. “I came to the allotment after losing both my parents, who I’d been caring for,” said Sam. “I’m learning new things all the time, from growing garlic to rhubarb, and it’s such a positive place to be.”

The space is also a hub for volunteers like Nick, who first joined after hearing about the allotment through his rehabilitation programme. “I come down three times a week,” said Nick. “It’s great meeting new people and putting my joinery skills to use. I’ve helped build benches and the polytunnel.”

Local couple Bill and Annie, both in their seventies, say the allotment is now a big part of their lives. “My favourite memory is teaching local school children how plants grow,” said Bill, a lover of science. “I’ve also painted a mural here, and today I’ve baked a cake using pears we’ve grown ourselves!”

Wendy, Customer Connections Officer at Salix Homes, said “This project is a great example of what our Community Springboard fund and partnerships is all about – helping local people, supporting neighbourhoods, and creating spaces that bring people together. We’ve had a great day and want to say thank you to Lesley Lever for putting on great food and refreshments.”

You can find out more about the LKYPCG at www.lkypg.co.uk.

For more information and to apply for a Springboard grant, visit our Springboard Community Fund pages.