A team of 40 Warwick-based National Grid volunteers braved the elements in Coventry to take on the challenge of clearing land and digging out new allotments for members of the Coventry Carers’ Centre.
The team volunteered to develop the site on Bohun Street in Coventry to allow more plots to be opened up and worked on, and encourage wildlife to the area, providing the carers with somewhere to help take time out of their caring role.
Dodging the showers throughout the day, the volunteers dug out a pond, levelled land, laid pathways and cleared overgrown areas.
The Coventry Carers’ Centre opened in July 1996 and is the only "one-step" centre for carers in the area - people who look after a relative, friend or neighbour who, due to ill health or disability, cannot manage without their help at home. The allotment site will improve the lives of family carers by helping them make friends with people in similar circumstances, allow them to take some regular exercise and learn new skills.
Jane Eite, Allotment Project Manager said: “With the help of National Grid we will be able to build on the fantastic progress we have made over the last year. Carers will have a lovely place to sit and relax. The Carers that have been involved in the project so far have all enjoyed their time here.”
Matt Goodwin, the National Grid project team leader, said: “It’s great to know that our efforts will benefit such deserving members of the community. The allotments will offer Coventry’s carers a recreational outlet, a chance to meet similar people and an opportunity to take some time out for themselves in a relaxed environment.”
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Photo available on request
For further media information only, please contact Doranna Rizzo, National Grid Media Relations, on 01926 655373 or 07816 151221.