News / 1625 Independent People
Putting Down Roots to help Bristol’s young homeless
Andy* was forced to face the bleak realities of life on the streets after a family breakdown.
Spending his nights sleeping rough in the former children’s play area of Castle Park, the teenager struggled to cope and started to suffer from paranoia.
That was before he was offered a lifeline through Bristol-based charities 1625 Independent People and St Mungo’s.
is needed now More than ever
Andy, 19, is now working to turn his life around through his involvement with Putting Down Roots for Young People, a gardening project for 16-24-year-olds who are at risk of homelessness or currently on the streets that aims to equip people with skills and qualifications.
But perhaps more than this, it gives participants, many of whom have lost faith in themselves, a sense of purpose, a chance to make friends and give something back to the community through transforming neglected wastelands into thriving gardens.
“Being homeless made me paranoid, it was a nasty experience for me,” remembers Andy.
“Through Putting Down Roots, I am learning a lot about gardening. I have trouble keeping still, so at the allotment I can keep active. It’s great, I love it.
“I am studying towards a level one in horticulture and I am aiming to take level two and three. We have been planting komatsuna (Japanese spinach), carrots, kale, potatoes, herbs and fruit trees. We hope to cook a massive stew or stir fry with the harvest.”
Ben Collison says it is a great opportunity for young people to have a positive impact in the local community whilst learning new skills that can lead to employment.
The project was launched by St Mungo’s and is funded by the Big Lottery Fund as part of Our Bright Future programme.
The Bristol team has transformed the garden of the Wordsworth Community Centre in Horfield from an overgrown, neglected wasteland into a beautiful allotment burgeoning with a harvest of vegetables, fruit trees and herbs.
Ben Collison, gardener trainer said: “Our plan for the garden was to redesign the space, grow fruit and vegetables and make it a haven for everyone to enjoy.
“It’s very rewarding to see all our hard work bear fruit. It’s a great opportunity for young people to have a positive impact in the local community whilst learning new skills that can lead to employment. They also get to meet new people and have a good time.”
The Putting Down Roots team has transformed the neglected garden of Wordsworth Community Centre
The project promotes positive mental health and wellbeing, communications skills and can help break down barriers to employment, whilst raising awareness of issues surrounding homelessness.
St Mungo’s is now keen to raise awareness of the scheme to get more people on board and spread the word that there is a safe space for them to come and learn new skills.
People can drop in or contact Ben Collison on: 0770 2884135 or email ben.collison@mungos.org.
The numbers of people forced to sleep on the streets in Bristol is on the rise
If you are concerned about someone rough sleeping in your neighbourhood, contact the national referral service StreetLink on 0300 500 0914 or www.streetlink.org.uk.
*Name has been changed as the person concerned wanted to remain anonymous.
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