A highly valued Derbyshire homeless project is holding an open day in July so visitors can see for themselves how lives are being rebuilt through gardening, craft, bicycle repair and mentorship.
All are welcome to the open day hosted by award-winning Derventio Housing Trust at its Growing Lives day centre in Ilkeston, Cotmanhay, on July 15.
The centre opens daily for residents living in Derventio Housing Trust accommodation who would otherwise be homeless, as well as people referred there through drug and alcohol recovery services.
People who have been through tough situations come to rebuild their lives through a range of projects including gardening, bicycle maintenance and repair, working in the workshop, taking part in crafts and cooking.
The summer open day will take place from 11am to 3pm and visitors will be able to explore the kitchen, craft room, garden and workshop at Growing Lives while chatting to staff and participants.
Visitors will also be able to plant sunflowers to take home; take part in collage making as well as other arts and crafts, and watch demonstrations in the Growing Lives workshop and bike shop where residents and others who use the service get involved in repairing and ‘upcycling’ bikes using donated parts.
Those who come along will also be able to meet Growing Lives’ resident guinea pigs – Gizmo and Stripe – and enjoy food and drinks prepared by staff and participants including home-made cakes and quiches, plus afternoon cream tea and scones.
Leo Webberley, a 20-year-old Derventio Housing Trust resident who has spoken out about how his life has been turned around thanks to discovering a love of gardening and cooking at Growing Lives, said: “I’m really looking forward to the open day at Growing Lives. It will be great to show people round and I’ll be getting busy baking to keep everyone happy and fed!”
Centre manager Kim Miles said: “It’s great that the public and anyone interested in our work at Derventio Housing Trust will be able to come down and visit us at Growing Lives on July 15. We have been able to help so many people rebuild their lives through our work here and participants have done some amazing transformation, particularly in the garden. A lot of people who come to the centre are very keen to use their hands to grow and make things and be able to have a chat too. We are looking forward to showing people what we do.”
Derventio Housing Trust managing director Sarah Hernandez said: “All of us here at Derventio Housing Trust are very proud of Growing Lives and everything it represents for those who use our services.
“It’s a safe, supportive space where people in recovery or facing other challenges can build skills, improve wellbeing and feel part of a community. For some people who come Growing Lives it is literally a lifeline: a welcoming and inclusive place to socialise, eat healthily, stay active and receive support and mentoring along the way from our dedicated team of staff.
“Growing Lives really is a key part of the services we provide at Derventio Housing Trust. It provides a vital stepping stone between homelessness and independent living through personalised support and meaningful opportunities to develop skills and confidence.
“The creative workshops, gardening, cooking, IT, peer-led groups and one-to one support help reduce isolation, improve mental and physical health and move closer to training, education or work. We have had many residents say that Growing Lives provided the support they needed to heal from their past and move forward. They have achieved security in their home lives and employment after gaining the confidence in a non-judgemental space that is what we are all about at Growing Lives.
“All the team and residents would love the opportunity for people to come and find out more about what we offer. Please come down and pay us a visit on July 15!”
Growing Lives is situated at 1 Grenville Drive, Ilkeston DE7 8HT. Anyone with any questions can email Derventio Housing Trust on [email protected]
This story was written and shared on behalf of Derventio Housing Trust by Lucy Stephens. Can we share your news and get you in the headlines too? Find out how we can help by getting in touch.
