The HumanKind charity have posted pleas for support in their upcoming garden renovation. Looking for help in a project they have described as ‘ambitious’, the Sheffield based organisation are looking for people to get involved with their plans to ‘create an oasis of calm for their residents, who are in recovery.’
Calls for goods such as artificial grass, plants, pond materials, garden furniture and ornaments have been issued via the charities facebook page (HumanKind Charity). The residents who will benefit from the garden live at Sheffield focused recovery accommodation, ‘The Greens’. The organization looks to create a relaxing space for the occupants who are in recovery from drugs and alcohol related issues, providing a sanctuary of peace during the ongoing national lockdown.
HumanKind believes that the new garden project will help boost the mood and reduce stress in the people they house at The Greens in Sheffield. The process of redesigning the garden gives the residents something to focus on as the grand scheme requires a lot of research and hard work to perfect their plans which were made by residents in the last lockdown.
Copyright HumanRight Society
The image above, sourced from the charity’s blog further detailing the plans for the new garden, shows the finished layout for how The Green aspire for their garden to look. A design aimed to activate all five senses and allow residents to break from the stress of daily life and switch on to their sight, smell, sound, taste and touch.
HumanKind Sheffield have secured grants from SOAR and a pledge of support from SYHA. They have also sourced a ‘generous discount’ from DIY retailer Wickes.
The charity Humankind works in partnership with adults and young people who are affected by substance misuse and offer a broad range of services to support them in their recovery. The Greens Sheffield provides residential rehabilitation and their sole aim is full recovery from dependency.
Effects can be seen on the HelpUsHelp blog where The Greens resident, Ed, shared his story of his time at the residential centre and explained how this project will support him continue to make progress in recovery:
“I’ve been in and out of jail since about the age of 14, linked to drinking and doing drugs. I pretty much came straight from jail to The Greens – I was offered a place within a week and moved here in September. It was good for me to move out of my area and away from the bad influences. I needed a fresh start.
“The staff here have all been brilliant. Having spent so much time in jail, I wasn’t used to talking to people in authority – you never talked to the screws in jail. But since I’ve come here, I’ve been able to talk to the staff about anything, how I’m feeling, if I’m struggling or whatever it is. I relapsed over Christmas time, as there was a lot going on with my family and stuff, and my mental health really suffered. But everyone here was great, they really went out of their way to support me so that I could stay.
“And now, with this garden project that’s helped me massively. My mate Lee has got me up and out every day, helping dig out the pond, starting on the path. I’ve always loved being outside, and whenever I’ve worked, I’ve always done it outside; on quarries and farms, places like that. It gives me something positive to do and focus on and there’s always someone to talk to out there.
“The pond is my main focus with the gardening project. I’d love it if we could get a pond filter with UV lights, a fountain, fish, and any plants for the pond such as dwarf lilies. If anybody could support us to get the pond looking how we’ve planned it that would be amazing. I know it’s going to be a relaxing and positive space for everybody who’s being supported here – I can’t wait to get it finished!”
If you feel you could support this cause by donating materials or helping out financially, agricultural expertise are also warmly welcomed by the charity, please contact The Greens on thegreens@humankindcharity.org.uk. Or through Facebook @humankindcharity.