inspiring teens
During the Spring term our teen wellbeing groups got very creative making natural items from the willow found in the garden. The sessions allow children some time to play, enjoy the benefits of being in nature as well as creating seasonal crafts. Over the course of the sessions the teachers and the space2grow teen wellbeing lead observe the children becoming more engaged with increased confidence. This term they've created willow valentines hearts, cooked pancakes, made sailing boats, pond dipped and sculpted pottery figurines.
During 'emotional health awareness week' the groups made their own version of their lungs with brown paper bags and straws. They then did an exercise where they had to blow slowly into them to inflate them whilst taking time to use their other senses, being aware of what they could feel. They then talked about the importance of self regulation and the breath.
our vital volunteers
Sunny days have been enjoyed by the volunteers which makes a welcome change from the grey of winter. The garden team have been preparing the garden for the growing season ahead. Sieving compost, sowing seeds, propagating plants and LOT'S of weeding.
The Men in Shed's team have continued to work with speed and skill completing jobs from the community as well as managing a growing list from the space2grow team on the garden.
We were absolutely delighted to have been nominated by Farnham Town Council for the highly prestigious King’s Award and we have made it through the first round with a visit from assessors. The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award a group can receive in the United Kingdom so it is a huge accolade just to be nominated. Thank you to Iain Lynch and the Farnham Town Council team for putting us forward. We couldn't do what we do without our incredible volunteers.
There is always a mid morning break, where everyone stops to have a rest and pause for tea and cake. It's a chance for the gardeners and the Men in Sheds team to catch up, share stories and take a breather.
sunny space2play
The sunny days have welcomed our space2play community and we love this picture of a very young visitor, a sibling of a space2play member, enjoying their time with the space2play staff. The sessions are for 2-4 year olds but younger siblings very much welcome. We know that more time spent outdoors when children are young fosters a life long love of nature and you can never start too early.
A huge thank you to the National Lottery Community Fund for their funding and support for these sessions.
community spirit & generosity
Massive thanks to the boys at More House School who did a sponsored walk last October. They raised an incredible £2,398.32 and selected space2grow as their chosen charity.
The Farnham Gardening Society very kindly donated £525 to space2grow. The society is closely and is kindly donating their funds to local causes and garden communities. It was lovely to welcome a member, give them a tour of the project and talk about all things gardening over tea and cake.
It was lovely to be a part of Farnham in Bloom Community Day organised by the Farnham Town Council. We met lots of new faces who took part in out 'design a fairy house' activity and the tricky 'guess the plant from the seed'. It was lovely to see so many of the other community groups such as Badshot Lea Bloomers, the Hive Helpers, Farnham Community Farm and the Lions. And thanks to the Farnham Herald for the lovely coverage this week.
reflections from the acre...
Kelley, our teen wellbeing lead, recently spent some time asking one of the students what they get out of the sessions, how it helps and what it means to them.
“ I enjoy that you get to have some of your own free time but you also get to play games and that, like man hunt and making things, I enjoy making things. We’re making a wind chime at the moment.
It’s helped me a lot. It calms me down going in to school. The next day (after a space2grow visit) I have a really nice day, all calm and all that sort of stuff, with no detentions.
It’s also helped me at home. I feel a lot happier when I get back home. I look forward to coming. I wait the whole day for it.”
