LEWISHAM Irish Community Centre is appealing for funds to help turn disused garden space into a community allotment which will grow vegetables for the elderly.
Vegetables and herbs grown in the allotment will be used for a lunch club for vulnerable and older adults.
The garden is currently overgrown. Picture: Kathleen SheridanThe money will also contribute towards a seating area that can be accessed by all – ideal for alfresco lunches out in the summer sun.
If the centre can raise just £1,125, Lewisham Council will consider funding the remaining 65 per cent of the project.
Lewisham Irish Community Centre works to reduce poverty, sickness and social isolation among the Irish community in south east London.
They offer facilities for the elderly community to socialise, participate in healthy living activities and enjoy free and low cost lunches together.
The centre also runs weekly clubs, classes and home visits for some of the most vulnerable people in the area.
Awareness of Irish culture and history is promoted through a range of Irish language classes, traditional music sessions and ceilidh social events.
They are looking for new volunteers to join the team and give some of their time to encourage members of the local community to engage in their local area.
The disused garden space they hope to convert is currently overgrown and not easily accessible. Funds will go towards installing paving slabs, wood to make raised beds, suitable seating, a supply of garden tools and plants, compost and a small storage area.
While most of the clearing can be done safely by volunteers, the centre will need to pay for some professional assistance.
If you have some spare change and would like to support the centre’s lunch garden, then pop over to their fund page and donate.
