About the project
PROJECT TITLE: Wigan Warriors Community Garden
LOCATION: Wigan
FUNDING: Awarded £15,000 in Round Two of the Greater Manchester Green Spaces Fund
DELIVERED BY: Wigan Warriors Community Foundation
The idea
The current garden has been accessible to groups since 2021, and has since been awarded Level 4 status (out of a possible 5) and described as 'thriving' by Britain in Bloom Neighbourhood Awards. The team now aspire to reach level 5 and make the garden an outstanding, educational and therapeutic green space. Items such as compost bins and systems to collect and reuse rain water will be built, and trees, plants and flowers will be planted to support local wildlife.
Sessions will be delivered at the garden for local people to enjoy, including:
- Horticultural Garden
Horticultural Therapy sessions for young people hosted by trained staff to promote wellbeing and healthy eating and educate on global issues such as climate change, biodiversity, and food poverty. Sessions will also be offered to older adults living with poor mental health, social isolation and dementia. The team already engage with this cohort through their award winning 'Rugby Memories' weekly sessions.
- Sensory Garden
Sessions will be run for people with disabilities, autism and sensory processing disorders, older adults living with dementia, and those with low levels of physical activity.
- Peace Garden
Mindfulness sessions will be available for older adults, yoga and mindfulness sessions for schools and community groups, memorial services hosted with the group's in house Chaplain, and the team will also work with partners at Wigan and Leigh Hospice to provide a space for people with terminal illness or bereaved family members.
Local partner organisations will be invited to deliver specific sessions and utilise the space whenever possible, and the area will be available for any individuals or organisations to access, making it a community asset for the whole of Wigan and Leigh's population.