In 2017, Nacro’s housing staff and service users in Manchester created a garden for the prestigious RHS Flower Show Tatton Park 2018. Their Peace Garden won silver and was featured on BBC Two’s coverage of the show. Nacro had entered for four years prior to that, previously winning bronze medals.
We are keen to enter again in 2018 with a garden theme of ‘Flowers of Hope and Unity’. We will bring together staff and service users from our services across England and Wales, working collaboratively to design T-shirts and create event posters, volunteer at the show and grow flowers in local housing and education centres.
Participation in the Flower Show has huge benefits for our service users, who are made up of young people excluded from mainstream schooling, people who are homeless or at risk of losing their homes, veterans, people with addiction issues and vulnerable women.
As well as being a hugely enjoyable experience for them, it also increases social inclusion, confidence and self-esteem and gives them the opportunity to meet new people, take on new challenges and develop leadership skills. It also has a positive impact on mental health, wellbeing and physical fitness.
An award winning gardener has volunteered his time to support our entry and will organise the planning, build and showcase during the week. of the show.
Why we need help
Each year, we rely on the goodwill and generosity of voluntary donations to enable us to enter the competition. As such, we are contacting local individuals, businesses as well as local authorities to ask for help. Every donation of money, materials or time to help support our efforts can make a difference to this project.
Any support you can offer is very much appreciated.
Contact
If you are interested and want to know more, or would like to donate, contact:
Rose Evans – Community Voice Coordinator
T: 01344 371578 M: 07717 558281