Cultivating a community: Better World fund delivers fresh approach to school allotment project
Chemical Engineering Our partners Outreach Social responsibility 18th November 2024
Planters mounded with empty soil; donations being readily gifted and gratefully received; a celebration of community spirit filling the Autumn air. Harvest Festival seems a likely occasion for such a scene, but in Collyhurst, Greater Manchester, they’re cultivating so much more than produce.
The Faculty’s Social Responsibility team has provided the catalyst for change, allocating Lecturer in Chemical Engineering, Hosam Aleem, the Better World fund to kickstart his budding outreach idea. The investment has begun building bonds and putting down roots at Collyhurst Nursey School, with a promising and innovative community allotment initiative.
Dr Aleem set out with one aim: to bring local people together by sowing a garden of fresh food and reaping a new sustainability culture. For the use of the children, parents, community centres and other local schools, he has been working closely with Collyhurst Nursery Manager, Nicola Burton, to improve the collective sense of belonging, achievement and health equality in the area.
Collyhurst resides in the wards of Miles Platting and Harpurhey, which are ranked as some of the most deprived in Manchester. The stats reveal 65% of children live in absolute or relative low-income families and 75% of families live in rented flats or terraced housing. 1/3 of this accommodation has no outdoor space.
Worryingly, 50% of deaths are attributed to diseases linked to poor diet, tobacco and sedentary life, with the life expectancy in Collyhurst 8 and 6 years shorter that the average male or female in England and Manchester, respectively. Not only will this space encourage positive eating behaviours, healthy activity and contact with nature, but it’s purpose is to reduce the potential for issues like conflict and loneliness.
On the experience so far, Dr Aleem says: ‘It was both rewarding and inspiring to work on the allotment project with Collyhurst nursery. Knowing that one makes a positive impact, no matter how small, on people’s lives, especially children makes the effort all the more worthwhile.
‘I have also benefited from learning of the many opportunities available, and the people dedicated to help improve the lives of others and care about the environment.’
Free services and materials have been donated by a host of local businesses. These include gardening consultations with Manchester Environmental Education Network (MEEN), compost donations from Recycle for Greater Manchester (R4GM) and delivery of goods and supplies by SUEZ.
There’s been involvement from local government too, with Councillor John Flanagan of Miles Platting and Newton Health, meeting to discuss the project’s scope for replication in other parts of Manchester.
The Councillor’s team also offered invaluable information on other potential funding sources. Dr Aleem is now exploring the Manchester City Council’s Neighbourhood Investment Fund (NIF) in a bid to buy new gardening tools.
Dr Aleem continues, ‘All this could not have been possible without the support of The University of Manchester and the opportunities it afford its staff to contribute to the community.
‘From the very beginning of the journey when I became a Governor at Collyhurst Nursery through the University’s scheme, to the funding I have gratefully received from the Better World Initiative. Long it may continue.’
better worldcommunitygardeningschoolssocial responsibilitysustainability
