The HTAR are a group of volunteers who help promote the interests of residents in the area on matters concerning housing, the environment and the social and communication.  We meet up monthly based within Hayocks Community Centre

We are planning revamping our existing garden area at the Hayocks Community Centre, which the HTAR hold the lease for into a safe and welcoming community space. This will include a seating area where hall users, or members of the community can sit and rest or socialise. The space will also include a growing area with raised beds built and installed, where members of the community can come and work together to grow and harvest their own fruit and vegetables. These vegetables can then be taken home by members of the community or be donated to the larder within the community centre or used within the existing cafe within the centre.  Our existing outdoor area has ramped access therefore this would be accessible for all members of the community

This would build on community spirit and help towards peoples health and wellbeing such as social isolation and promote healthier eating. We are an area of high deprivation and this would allow members of the public a free space to meet up with friends with no additional costs.

Costs

Raised Planters - £510

Compost - £200

Garden Tools - £150

Plants and seedlings - £75

Water Butt - £65

The group is about being supportive and encouraging to each other.  Building camaraderie and helping participants to reconnect with others and themselves.

• Reducing loneliness and isolation
• Reducing low mood and depression
• Increasing a sense of purpose, community and belonging
• Increasing a sense of routine, structure and self-worth  
• Promoting health and wellbeing - time together and a safe and trusting space to open up to peers 
• Providing peer support for mental health - checking in with each other - "anyone struggling today?"

The funding we're applying for would be spent as follows:

• Cost of weekly room hire for a year (£350)
• Cost of weekly refreshments/food provision per group – teas, coffees, juice and fruit
• Cost of additional monthly or quarterly healthy activities and travel out with the community centre (e.g archery, bowling)
• Cost of promoting the group and recruiting more group participants - to reach more men in the community who have poor mental health