An allotment project helping people’s mental health has been awarded close to £3,000 to further its development.
Breckland Council has announced the East Tuddenham Community Allotment group received two grants to help boost the existing project.
The group, based near Dereham, was awarded a £500 Breckland Environmental Initiative grant, a scheme that supports projects that protect and enhance the local environment.
The group also received £2,411 from Breckland Council's Inspiring Communities Match Funding grant pot, which supports projects that help people experiencing isolation, loneliness, and mental and physical health challenges.
This funding has provided a new polytunnel, purchased more plants and bought materials to build extra bug hotels and bird feeders, providing a habitat for different species to thrive.
Tristan Ashby, executive member for health and communities at the council, said: "The allotment provides a brilliant way for the community to get together, reducing isolation and enhancing both mental and physical health.
READ MORE - Breckland Council nominated for two public service awards
"Community groups such as these are a vital part of what makes Breckland great."
Ann Keen set up the allotment in March 2022 to provide a safe place for people to get together and learn about growing fruit, flowers, herbs, and vegetables.
In addition, she has completed a two-day Mental Health First Aid training course organised by Breckland, enabling her to provide advice and signposting to local people in need of mental health support.
READ MORE - Swaffham bus shelters restored after it was vandalised
Paul Claussen and Paul Plummer, ward members for Mattishall which covers seven parishes, added: “This project has become a great social hub for people in the community to get together.
"The group is free to join and open to everyone, providing a great way to educate the generations to come about the importance of wildlife and community spirit.”
The allotment founder had previously been nominated as a Community Champion as part of the King's and Queen's commitment to supporting community volunteering.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here