Affordable housing firm aids rehabilitation academy’s garden transformation

A recovery academy supporting former substance misusers is transforming a community garden into a safe haven thanks to a cash boost from Trent & Dove. 

As part of its ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life of people living and working in areas where it provides homes, the affordable housing provider generously donated £1,000 to the Academy through its Community Grants Panel scheme. 

This has enabled the group to replace a large selection of gardening tools, including a lawnmower, which will be used to improve and maintain the Beresford Garden, in Beresford Close, Burton upon Trent, part of the Kingfisher Project.

This is an ongoing project to transform pieces of land on Beresford Close and Masefield Crescent, in Horninglow, into areas of beauty for the whole community to enjoy. 

Trent & Dove owns the Beresford Close land that was turned into a garden eight years ago. The garden provides fresh fruit and vegetables for anyone passing by.

The community can also quietly sit and relax in tranquil surroundings while marvelling at the colourful flowers. 

The Recovery Academy is run by the O’Connor Gateway Trust, a local charity, which works in close partnership with BAC O’Connor Centre. 

Academy students, who are at the end of their treatment for substance misuse, have praised the Beresford Garden for its therapeutic effects. 

Graham Mitchell, recovery academy coach, said: “Our students get so much out of this garden. It gives them structure. They often come from chaotic backgrounds, so the therapeutic effects of gardening are great for their mental health. 

“They spend four weeks in the Recovery Academy following their 12-week residential rehabilitation programme, but we keep seeing people returning to help with the garden, which shows its positive effect on their lives.  

“As well as maintaining the garden and tending to the plants and flowers, we also have a vegetable patch with broccoli, cauliflower, sweet peas, courgettes, carrots and chillis. 

“We want to encourage people to come and pick their own vegetables. This is their garden. We are the gatekeepers. 

“We are so grateful to Trent & Dove for the money, enabling us to buy the tools and do what we want. It is amazing. 

“Every penny is spent on improving people’s wellbeing. 

“It is great knowing you are doing something like this for others to enjoy. It feels like we are doing something good. We are giving back to society.” 

The Community Grants Panel, in partnership with the Community Engagement Team, invites applications from organisations and young people that help advance Trent & Dove’s Strategic Plan goals.  

Grants of up to £2,000 are available for community projects, with additional funding of up to £250 for young people under 18, and up to £750 for individuals aged 18 to 25 who reside locally.  

Lifelong learning grants of up to £750 are also offered to individuals seeking ongoing education and skill development. 
 
Successful applicants must submit both a progress report and a final report outlining the impact and results of their projects. 

Rachael Hughes, Trent & Dove’s head of customer and community, said: “We are delighted to support the Recovery Academy at BAC O’Connor Centre in rehabilitating their students. 

“This fantastic project also provides a beautiful garden for the whole community to enjoy. 

“Our Community Grants are designed to help, support, create and transform local communities. We recognise that the voluntary sector significantly contributes to the quality of life of people living and working in the areas where we provide homes. 

“Our Grants Panel welcomes applications from organisations and young people whose projects support community engagement, equality, diversity and inclusion, environment, health and wellbeing and life-long learning opportunities.” 

From June 2023 to February 2024, Trent & Dove distributed a total of £35,000 in grants across Staffordshire, benefiting various community-driven projects.  

To apply for a Trent & Dove Community Grant please visit their website here.