The GreenFingers Project has been a good example of partnership working from the outset. The original steering group had representation from the statutory, voluntary and community sectors, and from health and environmental organisations.

We secured funding through Burngrave New Deal for Communities Green Environment Programme to landscape three allotment plots to make them wheelchair accessible. Landscaping work was carried out by contractors managed by Green City Action, a local environmental group. Additional infrastructure such as post and wire fencing, raised beds and benches were installed by BTCV and the local Ranger service.

Referrals for service users have come via the CMHT, G.P’s, residential units, the diabetes clinic, the asylum seeker health team, carers support service and other NDC funded projects such as the drug and alcohol service, tenancy support and community wardens.

As a registered charity we now have a Board of Trustees, comprising of a G.P., Practice Manager, Primary Mental Health Care Team Manger, a manager of a mental health charity and a horticulturalist from an environmental charity.