WORK on a major new project for St Richard’s Hospice can now start after the charity bagged £8,000 from a Tesco funding scheme.
Tesco teamed up with Groundwork to launch the second round of its Bags of Help funding project, which sees grants raised from the 5p bag levy – being awarded to local outdoor community projects.
The Wildwood Drive hospice was the lucky recipient this time round and the cash will go towards the creation of the Greenfingers Garden Space project.
Staff hope the new garden will create an area for gardening therapy to improve the health and well-being of patients and their loved ones.
This will include building a wheelchair accessible greenhouse and a summer house which will be used by patients, families and volunteers.
Care director June Patel, said: “Our Men’s Space group, in particular, are really keen to have somewhere to meet to do some light gardening, talk to others in a similar situation and take some time out in the midst of hospital appointments, health concerns and treatments.
“Our gardens and grounds are really special, offering a place for relaxation, reflection and connecting with nature which is very therapeutic,” she added.
Tesco estimates around six million votes were cast in stores up and down the UK and from now on customers will be able to vote for local groups all year round, every time they shop and grants will be awarded monthly – meaning that thousands more projects will benefit from the scheme.
Funding will now be awarded to groups who are seeking to use and develop outdoor spaces in ways that will benefit their local community, and money will be available in smaller amounts, making it more accessible.
Customers will get the chance to vote for three different groups each month.
At the end of each month, when votes are collected, three groups in each of Tesco’s regions will be awarded funding.
