Petworth Community Garden founder wins champion award
See the latest news from Your World at https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/your-world
Kate Green, the founder of the Petworth Community Garden, has been honoured with a Community Champion Award by the Petworth Business Association.
“It was such a surprise,” she said, “I was really overwhelmed and delighted, but although I collected the award, it’s really for the whole of the team -volunteers who have enormous hearts.”
Ms Green collected the award just as the project heard it has received enough funding to restart its weekly groups and continue its vital work through to Christmas.
The Community Garden is a haven for the most vulnerable members of the local area, providing free fruit and vegetables alongside vital social and therapeutic gardening opportunities for those experiencing economic hardship and food poverty, as well as social isolation and physical and mental illness.
Ms Green told the Midhurst and Petworth Observer that since Covid and the ever-growing cost of living crisis, more people than ever need the support of the garden.
Over 50 people attend weekly sessions, which include a men’s shed and specialised therapy groups. The volunteer team also deliver fresh fruit, vegetables and local SODT bakery bread to over 70 people in need in the town.
“We have had people at risk of suicide come to us at the garden and tell us that this is the only time in a week when they have eaten or spoken to another human.
We have helped a lady who was living on £15 a week, and our fresh food made such a difference to her.
Giving people proper food, not just dried or tinned goods, ensures they feel valued and are nourished from the inside out.
My job in the garden is also to help each member find a small win, which can help build their self-esteem and confidence.”
However, like many small charities, the Petworth Community Garden is facing a huge funding shortfall. Although she has secured a vital £20,000 to keep the weekly groups operating until Christmas, Ms Green now needs to raise that amount again to ensure the project remains viable in 2027.
“It is very difficult in a community where there is such extreme wealth to recognise the need [for this project].”
In her presentation to the Petworth Business Association, Kate Green called for partnership and creativity.
“Whatever you have, however you can support us, whether that’s through jumping out of a plane for charity, or donating something to our Christmas hampers, we would appreciate support."