Furlonteering – Sarah’s Story

I usually work as a Community Engagement Coordinator with a charity based within a community centre.

I heard about Grow through a relative and I have been following its development with excitement from the outset. Since Grow’s launch, I’ve had the opportunity to attend fundraising events, graduation ceremonies, and I’ve also been a Grow Gardeners client!

This summer I decided to volunteer with Grow. Grow gave me the opportunity to do something constructive with my time and use my skills; I was also keen to see the charity in action first hand after being involved at a more peripheral level.

I was keen to volunteer with Grow because I’m passionate about people having opportunities to fulfil their potential. I’ve already seen Grow encourage young people to take positive steps that will give them a sense of purpose and confidence and I believe that their work has a huge role to play in supporting young people to navigate the journey towards employment. This work feels vital, now more than ever.

Since volunteering with Grow I have been working at Holly Hagg Farm on a weekly basis, getting to know the individuals who are part of Grow and hearing a little about their stories and future plans. I have really enjoyed it! I can now see even more clearly the value and impact of the work that Grow is doing. These sessions have obvious therapeutic benefits for everyone involved: providing some structure for individuals who may have none, being closer to nature, learning new skills, the opportunity to be part of developing the farm itself and to work as part of a team.

I am excited to see Grow go from strength to strength and to hear many more good news stories from the young people who attend the programme.