Volunteers from a Derby housing training centre have spent a day helping improve a project that supports people who have experienced homelessness and other difficult periods in their lives.
The Places for People Thrive team worked at Derventio Housing Trust’s Growing Lives project in Cotmanhay, Ilkeston, tackling jobs including weeding, hedge trimming, cleaning paths and building raised beds.
Growing Lives is based in a former factory and uses practical activities including gardening, bike maintenance, cooking, crafts and art to help people rebuild confidence and move towards greater independence. Derventio Housing Trust says it supports around 1,200 people a year across five counties through accommodation and related services.
The volunteer day also strengthened links between the two organisations, with Thrive already involved in training some of Derventio’s housing and support staff.