Sunderland Home Grown is a rich environment to help young people and adults with learning disabilities and mental health problems to thrive and enjoy life by creating training and employment opportunities as well as promoting social and therapeutic horticulture.
A Youth Investment Fund grant of over £468K will create exciting new initiatives to help young people thrive.
Everyone who comes to Sunderland Home Grown has a unique contribution to make and no matter what they do, whether they are potting plants or working in the shop, they all play a significant role in growing our produce. Young people love being here and get real joy out of seeing that they have grown something and made it happen. It’s quite remarkable given that many young people who live in the city don’t know how vegetables are produced. And everyone who comes here, always leaves with a big smile on their face.
Gary Hillery
Manager and Director, Sunderland Home Grown CIC
What's next for Sunderland Home Grown CIC
We offer young people accredited and non-accredited horticulture training programmes and supported work placements, including practice-based horticulture, site maintenance, production of plants and produce, retail experience and dealing with the public.
The young people are supported by health mentors and a horticultural trainer. Over the years we have developed links with schools, colleges and academies and can offer young people new life experiences as well as the joy of growing produce.
We are also in the process of constructing a vibrant community workshop, a spacious commercial glass house, and a cutting-edge classroom and training centre. These spaces are carefully designed to cater to the diverse needs and aspirations of our community members.
In our commitment to inclusivity, we're taking additional measures to ensure accessibility for everyone. Our outdoor areas are currently being tarmacked, creating a smoother and more user-friendly experience, particularly for wheelchair users. This enhancement reflects our dedication to fostering an environment where everyone can fully participate and thrive.
The second part of our latest initiative is a new garden centre facility that’s designed to be off-grid and sustainable, which means it helps the environment by using fewer resources. Our storage containers will have solar panels, which provide energy from the sun, and there's also a huge water tank to collect rainwater.
Our new poly tunnel, canopy, and fencing have already been set up, creating a nurturing environment for our plants and visitors alike. The entire garden centre shop has been assembled from a "flat-packed" kit. This efficient construction method aligns with our sustainability goals.
The news of securing a Youth Investment Fund grant is still sinking in. We’re such a small company and the difference it will make is mind-blowing. It means we can reach more young people, create more joy, and be there for future generations. Sunderland Home Grown is a place of mindfulness and wellness, it’s not just about learning new skills, it’s also a chance to come in and smell the roses.
We're aiming to finish all the building work by early autumn 2023, so you won't have to wait too long to see the wonderful changes to our facilities.