Isle of Wight housing association wins regional award and goes through to national finals
Medina Housing Association’s innovative Growing Spaces project has won a prestigious award. Growing Spaces was one of three regional finalists presenting their project for the ‘What We Are Proud Of’ awards from the National Housing Federation, which celebrate the exciting work that is going on in local communities.
Growing Spaces was nominated for its work in Newport and Ryde, providing raised beds for over 250 households to grow their own vegetables. As well as providing the beds, Growing Spaces gives residents seeds, plants and training to give them the knowledge that they need to successfully ‘grow their own’.
The Growing Spaces project is delivered with project partner, Growing Ideas, a local organisation specialising in environmental, education and community projects. The project, funded by the Lottery’s Local Food fund, has brought together residents of all ages through workshops, drop-in sessions and community events, and encourages families to eat healthily by providing recipes to cook with.
The National Housing Federation received a record number of entries for this year’s awards, and the shortlists were selected by an independent panel of tenants. The winners from the nine regional awards will go forward to compete for the national trophy in September.
Medina Housing Association Managing Director, Martyn Pearl says: “We are delighted to have won this award in the face of strong competition from a number of excellent projects. Growing Spaces has really made a difference to people, improving the quality of lives and cementing the relationships within local communities. It has also changed for the better the way that residents in our neighbourhoods view and engage with Medina. This is one of those simple ideas which makes a big impact and leaves an enduring legacy. It is something about which we are truly proud.”
Maria Wilkinson, Community Enterprise Manager at Medina Housing Association says: “We are thrilled that Growing Spaces has been recognised for making such a difference in our local communities.”
ENDS: With photo - Martyn Pearl, Managing Director, Medina Housing, Helen Osborne, Growing Spaces Participant, Suzie Mundell, Project Coordinator, Medina Housing, Maria Wilkinson, Community Enterprise Manager, Medina Housing.
To find out more visit: www.growing-ideas.co.uk