A Leeds-based charity has been awarded funding from Esh Construction to create a rooftop community garden space which will become a place for people to learn about sustainability, practice life skills and interact with others.
Hamara Healthy Living Centre is located in Beeston and was founded in 1997 to improve the quality of life for local people while reducing inequality and disadvantage for people of all ages.
Esh Construction awarded the funding as part of the Greener Communities programme, a grant-making initiative which was launched by the firm earlier this year in partnership with County Durham Community Foundation.
Hamara will use the funding to transform their roof top space into a garden area where members can grow their own fruit and vegetables while socialising with others to improve their own mental health and wellbeing. The group will run sessions each week, with specialist sessions planned for after school groups for children aged 12 and above, over 18’s and an over 55’s ladies group.
The charities’ HALO project, which supports adults with learning disabilities and autism, will also utilise the space to increase their confidence and independence.
Raheem Mohammad, interim director at Hamara Healthy Living Centre, said: “Hamara is honoured to receive this funding to support us with a project we have had the intentions to start for several years. There has never been a more needed provision after the COVID-19 outbreak and the recent crisis that is upon us, the rising cost of living. Communities need a space to recharge, socialise and learn lifelong skills and thanks to Esh Construction and County Durham Community Foundation we are able to provide this.”
Megan Roberts, Esh’s social value manager across the Yorkshire region, said: “The aim of the Greener Communities programme is to help those within our local communities to reduce their carbon footprint and live more sustainability.
“We are working nearby the Hamara Healthy Living Centre and are delighted to provide them with the opportunity to create a rooftop garden which will provide a new base for outdoor activities and encourage their service users to develop their own green skills.”
Esh’s Greener Communities programme will help communities become ‘greener’ through carbon reduction, environmental improvement and education projects. A fund of £50,000 was allocated to support projects which are centred around green skills, climate resilience, improving green spaces and habitats.
The Hamara Healthy Living Centre is located just six miles from Esh’s live construction site at Leeds West Academy. Working on behalf of White Rose Academies Trust, Esh is extending the school building to create new classrooms, a science lab and office facilities which will allow the academy to increase its capacity to 1,500 students.
The aim of the Greener Communities programme is to help those within our local communities to reduce their carbon footprint and live more sustainability. We are working nearby the Hamara Healthy Living Centre and are delighted to provide them with the opportunity to create a rooftop garden which will provide a new base for outdoor activities and encourage their service users to develop their own green skills.”
