VOLUNTEER gardeners are maintaining the grounds of Henley YMCA and they are keen to see others contribute.
Gardening is completed on the first Thursday of each month, from 2pm to 4pm, with duties including planting, watering and weeding.
Louise Colam, the YMCA’s community engagement officer, said: “At the moment, we have people from Greener Henley involved and other volunteers from the community.
“They keep it all nice and chat to residents living here, making them feel more a part of the community. We received some funding from Henley in Bloom to install a veg patch and the food is harvested by anyone and encourages our residents to eat healthily.”
The gardening sessions were initially established to encourage residents at the YMCA to learn about gardening and producing their own food. The site, in Lawson Road, houses 31 residents aged 18 to 34.
Ms Colam added: “Everyone should belong, contribute and thrive and the first step is belonging.
“The houses are home to young people who are at risk of homelessness — some who are street homeless, some who have come from care. We’re designed to be a supportive step into independent living.”
She added: “A lot of people don’t think homelessness is an issue in Henley but we have young people living in their cars or putting up with homes which don’t feel safe. It’s just hidden because of the shame attached.”
Catherine Notaras, one of the volunteers who is also a member of Henley in Bloom, drove a boot-load of plants to the YMCA.
She said: “I knew this site before the YMCA was built and the jubilation of having the site here was amazing, a real move upwards. I saw a sign saying ‘Gardening group, volunteers wanted’ and so I thought ‘Oh why not’. I initially donated some plants and then thought I’d donate my time as well.
“It’s a great time on Thursday. The whole group is lovely but we do need more people to do some watering, even if they can’t do anything else.”
Ms Notaras was planting sage in the garden, which joined lavender and foxgloves.
To volunteer and to donate plants for the garden, email Ms Colam on louise@henley
ymca.org.uk
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