GrowAbility: Improvements Coming to the Mainstay DRP Garden 🌿
Mainstay DRP is excited to share some great news! Our GrowAbility project has received funding from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council through the ‘Let’s Grow NMD’ programme.
This funding (up to £1,481) will help us improve our community garden and make it easier for everyone to take part.
What is GrowAbility?
GrowAbility is all about helping adults with learning disabilities grow their own food. People take part in activities like planting seeds, watering plants, and harvesting fruit and vegetables.
It’s not just about gardening, it’s about learning new skills, building confidence, and having fun outdoors. From planting seeds to harvesting vegetables, participants are gaining hands-on experience while developing independence and a sense of achievement.
As Philip, one of our volunteer gardeners who has supported the project, shares:
“I’ve been involved in the garden for a number of years now, and it’s amazing to see how much people grow in confidence. It’s not just about the plants—it’s about people feeling proud of what they can achieve.
Making Gardening Easier for Everyone
Some people found it hard to join in because the garden beds were too low or difficult to reach. With this new funding, we will:
- Add raised planters that are easy to reach
- Build new waist-height beds
- Replace old, broken wood with stronger materials
- Provide helpful tools like kneelers and worktables
These changes mean more people can take part comfortably and independently.
Learning New Skills 🌼
Up to 25 people will benefit from this project. They will learn how to:
- Grow vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and tomatoes
- Care for plants all year round
- Harvest and use food they have grown
The best part? The food grown in the garden will also be used in cooking activities, helping people learn how to prepare and enjoy healthy meals.
Helping People Feel Good
Gardening can make people feel happy and proud. Watching something grow from a tiny seed into food you can eat is a big achievement!
The project also helps people:
- Build confidence
- Work together as a team
- Try new foods
Joshua, who recently joined the team as a part-time gardener, said:
“Starting here has been a great experience. The garden is such a positive space, and it’s brilliant to see people learning new skills and enjoying it.”
Looking to the Future 🌍
The GrowAbility project is designed to last for many years. Strong materials will keep the garden in good condition, and people will even learn how to save seeds for future planting.
This project is part of a wider Newry, Mourne and County Down Council programme that supports community food growing and helps local groups create spaces where people can grow their own food.