A BRADFORD community farm is the first garden in the North of England to receive Garden of Sanctuary status from City of Sanctuary UK.
Horton Community Farm has been recognised with the award for its continued efforts to work alongside sanctuary seekers and the success of previous and existing programmes.
This year, the community farm relaunched its social and therapeutic horticulture programme for sanctuary seekers, Growing Hope.
The project is a safe space for people to talk, connect, grow food, share skills, and explore nature.
Participants can go at their own pace, and there is no pressure to garden if people do not want to.
A spokesperson for Horton Community farm said: “We have welcomed participants in their 20s and in their 70s, and every age in-between! So far, the project has been a huge success.
“We hope that the Garden of Sanctuary award will encourage more community members to get involved with our projects, and further demonstrates that HCF is a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for all."
To celebrate the achievements of all participants who have attended Growing Hope sessions this Spring and Summer, the community farm ran a hugely successful Growing Hope celebratory day on Friday, September 2.
Forest school practitioners Lizzie Lee (of Bee Outdoors), Michaela Worthington (of Well Wood) and Tansy Kerenza provided fun and inventive nature activities for all the family.
“Our newest team member Laura Burfitt made some delicious toffee apples, which families loved. The team welcomed the participants, provided activities, and gave a tour of the site, before serving delicious dahl and chilli from Beat and the Pulse. “
Following the re-launch of Growing Hope, Horton Community Farm is running two further 12-week programmes funded by Bradford Council and Leeds Community Foundation.
Both programmes are run by Maryam and Laura Ann B, and include a women-only group and will start on Friday, September 16.
If you would like to join contact Horton Community Farm via our Facebook page. Lunch is provided and travel will be reimbursed.
The farm is also hosting an open day on Saturday, September 24, between 1pm-4pm, with free entry and subsidised activities for sanctuary seekers.
“Going forward, we will continue to apply for funding to sustain our Growing Hope project long-term, including funding for our Seeds of Hope library, which offers solidarity membership to sanctuary seekers.”
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