Failsworth growing and wellbeing project given helping hand by First Choice Homes Oldham

A new community growing and wellbeing facility, which will offer local people a space to meet, learn new skills and support the environment, is set to open in Failsworth thanks to a little help from First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) and partners.

The facility will be called The GROWE (Grass Roots Oldham Women’s Enterprise) Project and comprises a community centre and one acre of land, and has developed from a partnership between two Oldham-based organisations – horticultural specialist Northern Lily CIC, and SAWN (Support and Action for Women Network) – a charity promoting the welfare of black and African women in Oldham and Greater Manchester with support from Oldham Council.

Set to open in September, The GROWE Project will see a derelict space transformed into a haven for locals to access a range of initiatives including horticultural workshops, fruit and vegetable growing facilities, forest school and areas to keep animals such as chickens, goats and bees.

It will also see partnerships with the Canal and River Trust to eventually offer kayaking and canoeing opportunities on the adjacent canal – which will be the first of its kind in Oldham.

To help kickstart The GROWE Project, employees from social housing provider FCHO sprang into action to assist with site preparation through its colleague volunteering programme.

More than 35 staff hit the site, offering ground clearance, plumbing works, repair works on two 40-foot polytunnels which will be used to grow food, installation of six garden railway sleepers and the replacement of a large decking area.

Many of FCHO’s partners and sub-contractors such as Robwood Construction, Wolseley UK Managed Services, Limb to Limb, Connolly’s, John Southworth Builders, GTM Fire Protection and Holcombe Homes have also pledged their support by generously donating materials and funding, as well as offering physical help such as painting and decorating the community centre, supplying woodchip, cutting back trees, providing skips, refurbishing animal enclosures and more.

Naomi Martin-Smith, Volunteers Co-ordinator at FCHO, said: “In addition to the fantastic contributions from our partners, many of our colleagues have volunteered a day of their time to help transform an empty, unused space into what is going to be a wonderful place for local people. 

“We’re proud to be more than just the bricks and mortar of our homes; we’re rooted in our neighbourhoods and our mission is to create great places where people want to live.

"By getting involved in brilliant initiatives like The GROWE Project – we’re giving back to our communities and helping improve the lives of local people.” 

The GROWE Project is located in-between Ridgefield St and Marlborough Drive and is surrounded by approximately 800 FCHO homes.

As well as wellbeing, growing, horticultural and community initiatives delivered by Northern Lily and SAWN, the space will be available for FCHO customers and the local community alike, with many Oldham-based groups already expressing interest in utilising the site, including a walking club and a Scout group.  

Victoria Holden, Director of Northern Lily and Co-founder of The GROWE Project, said: “We can’t thank FCHO and their partners enough for their continued support.

"Without their help and sourcing of materials and funding, it would have been much harder to get The GROWE Project off the ground, so their contributions have really been invaluable.

"I can’t wait to see it up and running, as I’m born and bred in Oldham and I think it’s just what the town needs.

“I’m so passionate about bringing people from all walks of life together in a positive way to boost their wellbeing, get active, learn about nature and live sustainably.

"Tackling climate change is also high on our agenda, and The GROWE Project will help towards this.

"I think it’s a crying shame that well over half of the UK’s apples and pears come from abroad, when we could so easily grow them in our own climate.

"Our orchards and two 40-foot polytunnels mean we’ll be able to grow a variety of fruit and vegetables all year round, from typical English varieties to those which are popular in other climates and cultures such as chillis, African maize and callaloo – a leafy vegetable similar to spinach and popular in the Caribbean.”

In the future, The GROWE Project plans to work with a local catering provider to bring a food offering to the community centre and a place to enjoy tea, coffee and treats outdoors on the new decking.

Profits from the café and other activities will be re-invested back into the project to create a sustainable long-term offer.

Victoria added: “I grew up in Limeside and was surrounded by countryside and farms, where I spent my days playing in nature and soaking up agrarian knowledge.

"I’m from a very green-fingered family so I’ve had an interest in gardening, harvesting and sustainability since I was a little girl.

"I believe we need to look after our green infrastructure here in Oldham and make sure our horticultural knowledge stays among our local communities so we can live sustainably for generations to come.”

The GROWE Project is set to open in late September this year and will be an inclusive and accessible space for all.

If you would like to get involved with The GROWE Project, email Victoria Holden at: northernlilyuk@gmail.com

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