In September 2022, Trefoil awarded £4,900 as an organisational grant to The Sunshine Kitchen for a garden project.
The Sunshine Kitchen is a charity based in Fife that provides volunteer work opportunities for young adults with additional support needs. The young people involved can participate in all aspects of seasonal food production, from growing produce in their own garden to cooking and baking with it in their kitchen.
The objective of the garden project was to create a year-round garden initiative which provides work for a team of eight young persons with additional support needs. Participants are involved in the key stages of planning and development as well as the planting and harvesting.
Since the award, The Sunshine Kitchen have provided weekly sessions at the garden project for their team of young people and those sessions continued uninterrupted through the autumn and winter season.
“These services and activities, and specifically keeping them consistent week upon week, have made a great difference to the health and wellbeing of the young people involved.”
The garden project aimed to provide learning and skills-building opportunities in the areas of growing and harvesting seasonal produce. Outdoor learning and skills development of the team have been augmented with construction projects, having purchased hand tools and materials as a result of the grant.
The group have been busy building cold frames and covered lids for raised beds as well as furniture for the greenhouse area and much more!
“The sessions have continued to build the young people’s confidence, making them feel valued in the work that they do.”
A full set of garden uniforms for colder weather were also purchased including thermal bodywarmers, hats and waterproof jackets and trousers, all of which have enabled the young people to work outdoors in all weathers.
The trustees of Trefoil are delighted to hear that the grant has had such a positive impact on the participants and their confidence as gardeners continues to grow.