Provides a green space for young people and the community to improve their mental health and wellbeing.
Since 2018, we have proudly rented a triple-sized allotment plot at Rowlatts Hill Allotments. With the hard work of young people, volunteers and business partners, the plot now thrives as The Wooden Spoon Allotment.
Originally part of our former project, ‘Breathing Space’, the Wooden Spoon Allotment supports the growing number of young people experiencing mental health issues, such as social anxiety, depression, panic attacks and eating disorders. It is well-established that natural environments are beneficial to maintaining good mental health. We want to provide the best possible place for young people to escape the pressures of modern, urban life, and simply breathe.
A small group of volunteers come to the site every Friday to maintain it. Young people from our other projects will also attend throughout the year. There is so much to do and learn! Work can range from planting and weeding, to painting and decorating. Even in the cold and rain, the air, birdsong and chance to chat with each other all have a positive effect on our well-being.
Our allotment is, and will always remain, a ‘work in progress’. Every day this year we’ve built new resources, introduced new plants, and improved our knowledge and skills as ‘Allotmenteers’.
If you would like to join us, either as a young person or adult volunteer, contact us:
Thank you to our supporters!
We are enormously grateful to the Wooden Spoon Trust, and other key supporters such as Engie, St James Place Foundation, and KP Snacks. Without their assistance, we would not have this incredible space today.
Donations of resources and volunteering from businesses and the community are vital to the continued accessibility of this space. If you would like to get involved, or to pay our Wooden Spoon Allotment a visit, email Projects Director, Gavan Wilmot today at gavan.wilmot@focus-charity.co.uk.
“The allotment has helped me with my confidence and my anxiety. It’s also helped me with my communication skills; it’s easier now to talk to people.” – Amritpal
“I’ve been coming to the allotment since 2018. It’s really helped with my mental health, especially in 2020, when I wasn’t able to leave the house due to Covid. It helped me to stop having negative thoughts. It’s nice to be outdoors and keep busy.” – Stephen, 25