At SIG, we know there is more to allotments than simply gardening – they play a vital role in individual and community well-being!

 

SIG Penrose – Roots Community Based Recovery Services (CBRS) is our award-winning garden-based project providing a therapeutic growing space to reduce social isolation and increase physical and emotional well-being for the most vulnerable people in Luton.

 

Roots brings people together, nurturing and growing friendships, not just vegetables. We help people become happier, healthier, and job-ready through various learning opportunities.

 

For many people, coming to the garden is their only time to socialise outside their accommodation, participate in activities independently, and meet new people.

 

Our regular attendees have lived experience and joined Penrose Roots because they were experiencing or recovering from social isolation, trauma, mental ill-health, substance use, neurodiversity, homelessness, learning disabilities, abuse and criminal justice system history.

Roots Community Based Recovery Services (CBRS) has a one-acre site offering opportunities for people to get involved in a range of activities:

  • Access

    To a therapeutic open space and workshops and healing opportunities in the natural environment.

  • Non-clinical Support

    An extensive range of non-clinical support services, training programmes and social groups designed to empower and boost health and wellbeing.

  • Peer Support

    Plant and harvest produce together, talking and receiving support from an understanding network of people via peer support.

Benefits to the Community

SIG Penrose – Roots Community Based Recovery Services (CBRS) has a significant community benefit in the Luton area.

 

We are an essential voluntary sector social prescription referral partner. To date, we have received over 2,000 referrals from mental health trusts, GPs, clinicians, and community groups to help reduce social isolation and promote well-being for community members, improving outcomes and reducing the need for health and social care interventions and crisis management.

 

We improve Luton’s deprived residential areas, which have high antisocial behaviour. By creating sustainable, growing spaces, we help reduce fly-tipping and food poverty. Our gardening and maintenance community team work with the local authority to identify areas to build pocket gardens and raised beds and plant these with fruits and vegetables that the local community can help themselves once ripe. We provide free gardening and maintenance support to vulnerable residents in council accommodations to help maintain their gardens.

  • Roots helps increase community fresh food production

    We grow 600kg of fresh produce yearly to support the local community, community kitchens, and food banks.

  • We deliver educational workshops

    And talks to community partners and schools on environmental conservation and the benefits of growing vegetables and healthy eating.

  • Roots is our very own long-term solution to tackling unemployment locally

    We get members work-ready in a holistic and non-forced environment, improving health and wellbeing through meaningful contributions across volunteering and paid employment opportunities. Roots volunteers donated 12,000 hours over the last three years.

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