A NEW community garden has opened in Wythall with the aim of helping combat loneliness.
The development of the space was started in 2020 by Wythall Memory Cafe but was delayed by the pandemic.
This year the volunteers sprang into action and, with the help of several Wythall businesses, the plot adjacent to the allotments was cleared and the garden was created.
The Memory Cafe provides a social gathering with entertainment for residents living with dementia and their carers who can get advice about organisations which can help provide support.
Meetings are now held every two weeks with over 60 regular attendees.
Di Taylor who runs the memory cafe said: “The garden has raised beds and turfed areas but we didn’t have any sheltered seating
“With is in mind we had been exploring the possibility of buying and installing a summer house with seating included – we were understandably delighted when our councillor Adam Kent offered to fund the building and furniture through his Worcestershire County Council Divisional Fund.
Di said the aim was for the garden to be a place where those who are vulnerable could come and potter in the garden, sit and socialise.
“Not only is it a place for people who are isolated, but previous allotment holders who have health issues and can no longer tend a plot themselves can enjoy the interaction of other people.”
Coun Kent, Wythall’s county councillor, said: “We’ve got quite a bit of elderly people in Wythall and I think – particularly during the pandemic – it was really challenging and difficult for people who were on their own.
“I’m delighted to be able to support it and watch it grow.”
Coun Kent is also raising funds for the Memory Cafe through a series of 10K, half marathon and marathon runs.
Visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/adamkent to donate.
