Greenhouse plans grow at Apsley House thanks to Impact Futures

Team from Hft training partner Impact Futures help prepare garden for new greenhouse

Volunteers pulled on their gardening gloves to help with a project to install a greenhouse at Hft’s Apsley House in Bristol.

Staff from Hft’s training partner, Impact Futures, spent the day at the supported living service clearing an area of the garden ready for its arrival.

The idea of installing the greenhouse came from individuals living at the service who have been cultivating vegetables and fruits in raised beds in the garden.

Rather than buying the plants in to cultivate, they were keen to experiment with growing them from seed.

Adrian, who lives at Apsley House, joined the team from Impact Futures to help with the work. “I like being in the garden and always want to be involved with any projects,” he said.

“We have done a lot of work already and the greenhouse will allow us to grow plants from seed and expand what we put in the raised beds.”

Fundraising is now underway to cover the costs of the installing the greenhouse and an irrigation system to keep the plants watered.

It is hoped it will be in place in time for the annual Apsley House garden party in August.

Plants grown on site will be used by those living at the service when cooking their daily meals.

Apsley House Service Manager Bex Skinner said: “Having volunteers coming in to support us on projects like this is invaluable.

“This new greenhouse will make a real difference to the people we support, many of whom find spending a few hours in the garden very therapeutic and good for their overall wellbeing.”

Volunteers were kept fed and watered throughout the day with delicious home made cakes cooked by part time Hft support worker Leigh Hemming.

Impact Futures volunteer Gareth Cudmore said: “We had a great day at Apsley House.
“It’s important for businesses to give something back and be able to make a difference to the lives of others.

“I would encourage other businesses to get involved in supporting a charity like Hft.
“And the added bonus is you get great cake too.”

Hft Corporate Partnerships & Philanthropy Manager Rob Harding said: “We are so grateful for the support Impact Futures Group has shown us.

“Hft is built on community and connection.

“By working in collaboration with organisations like Impact Futures Group, we are bringing together local communities and supporting people to live their best lives possible.”