Green Foundations
'The most effective change-makers in society are literally planting seeds - through the revolutionary act of gardening, they’re rebuilding their communities while growing their independence.'
Green Foundations is a program linked to The Pod's core work of secondary mental health. To access this opportunity, you need to be supported by secondary mental health services and referred by your Care Coordinator/key worker.
Purpose of role
The rhythm of each session will respond to the growing seasons and weather but over 24 weeks, with a few sessions each week, and under the guide of the Food Union Coordinator the Green Foundations cultivator will:
- Co-Grow produce that aims to meet organic principles following a range of environmentally friendly practices.
- Ensure a healthy and sustainable growing space that promotes food and habitation for a wide range of biodiversity.
- Co-create and curate a space for the local community [Food Union Members] to gather, work and share knowledge on a range of topics related to sustainable food growing.
- Supply fresh produce to The Pod Café.
Practical things that the cultivator mentee will get involved in:
- digging, planting, weeding, general upkeep
- harvesting for the Café and delivering the produce
- pruning shrubs, tree-bases
- raising plants from seeds and cuttings
- propagating the nursery work
- checking the health of plants
- helping to maintain high levels of presentation of the garden and grounds.
- cleaning and maintaining tools and equipment to include tools in our tool bank.
- Sharing and learning knowledge
- Helping with and influencing planned developments
- Visiting other sites
- Learning about risk assessments
- Being a friendly face to Food Union members and visitors
- Promoting the benefits of membership.
Who this pathway would suit
Citizens with:
- a keen interest in plants, nature, and the community
- a keen interest in organic growing principles
- an enjoyment of working/being outdoors
- a love for practical skills
- an interest in working as part of a team.
- A readiness to be/work outdoors in all weather conditions.
What The POD and Food Union commit to:
- Providing a site induction and devising a schedule with you – what do you want to get from this?
- Offering one-to-one mentorship from the Food Union Coordinator
- Offering a check-in with the Development Worker at least once a fortnight.
- Development worker will liaise with Care Coordinators as/if required and call MDT meetings.
- Review at the 12-week mark, or sooner if required.
- Co-plan the next steps with the Development Worker and Food Union Coordinator.
Benefits of being a Green Foundations Cultivator
Cultivators will quickly become part of the Food Union community and will be able to join regular gatherings [at the allotment or The Pod Café] so meet like-minded people. The Pod can also provide footwear and waterproofs. Food Union Cultivators will be supported by a qualified horticulturalist/environmentalist. To access this opportunity, you need to be supported by secondary mental health services and referred by your Care Coordinator/key worker. See more details about The Pod's referral pathway and find a link to the referral form.
‘A garden is a grand teacher, it teaches patience and careful watchfulness, it teaches industry and thrift, above all it teaches entire trust’.