Nottinghamshire PR agency Arch Communications is funding the launch of a major new project for a local homelessness charity.
The Friary in West Bridgford wants to transform its old allotments into a haven of peace and reflection for the vulnerable adults it supports.
The launch of the scheme has been made possible by a £10,000 donation from Arch, which is based in the South Nottinghamshire village of East Leake, just a few miles from the allotments. It marks the 35th anniversary of charity, which is appealing for further funding to bring the plans to full fruition.
The Friary has helped hundreds of people through its drop-in centre and outreach work. Demand for its services has increased by more than a third over the past year alone. The charity has supported more than 850 vulnerable people in the last 12 months.
The project will see the charity’s three allotments in West Bridgford re-vamped to create a quiet and creative space, where service users can help to grow vegetables, learn new crafts and practice mindfulness.
With the help of volunteers, the allotments already produce one tonne of produce a year. This is used by the charity’s drop-in centre on Musters Road or given away to other good causes.
The Chief Executive of The Friary, Ben Talbot, said: “These allotments will provide the perfect place for our clients to learn new skills, while also helping their mental health and giving them a sense of purpose.
“We started to draw-up some proposals for the allotments a few years ago, but then the pandemic came along and we had to abandon the idea. We’re extremely grateful to Arch Communications for their financial and practical support, which is now helping to get the whole idea off the ground.
“It’s still a tough time for many people at the moment and we hope this area will become an ideal space for some peace and reflection. Our clients already feel part of The Friary family and, with the valuable help of our volunteers, we hope this will be a space they can feel part of too.”
Based in East Leake, Arch Communications believes in ploughing profits back into the community. The firm has donated over £165,000 to local good causes through donations and unpaid work.
Arch Communications founder and director Matt Youdale said: “We’ve been aware of The Friary’s excellent work for some time, so when we heard about this project we were keen to help bring it to fruition. As well as providing the initial funding, our practical support is part of our whole business ethos.”
Part of the donation from Arch has already paid for the replacement of an old wooden-framed greenhouse with a brand new high-spec greenhouse with tempered safety glass. There are further plans to improve the infrastructure, with a range of new facilities for things like woodwork, arts & crafts and meditation.
The Friary hopes to attract further funding for the ongoing management of the allotments and the supervision of visitors.
