Cumbria County Council’s Specialist Youth Support Team in Barrow is seeking support from the local community towards an exciting new venture that aims provide fresh fruit, vegetables and home made goods to local care homes, food banks and community projects.
The team recently secured a 1,900 square foot allotment from Barrow Town Council, which includes a large workshop area. The workshop – nicknamed ‘The Shack’ – currently has a leaking roof and requires significant repairs. When completed, the aim is to install a kitchen area in to The Shack so that young people can produce jams, pickles, chutneys and other goods using the fresh produce from the allotment. Young people, staff and volunteers will also be transforming the allotment area to grow a variety of seasonal fruit and vegetables. The produce will then be delivered to local care homes and food banks.
Cllr Anne Burns, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “This is a fantastic project which will bring members of the community together and provide a rewarding experience for the young people involved. I am delighted that the allotment and warehouse will be transformed in to a useable space the whole community can enjoy and benefit from, and I am looking forward to sampling some of the tasty jams and pickles that will be produced!”
The project will also provide an opportunity for young people, staff and volunteers to upcycle old or unwanted furniture during the winter months – these items will also be donated to local care homes and the local community.
The team is now seeking materials – such as roofing materials, flooring, chipboard, kitchen units, worktops and garden tools. If you would like to contribute something, please contact [email protected]
