Penrose Roots is an award-winning community garden in Luton. For the people who attend, it helps reduce social isolation, increase physical and emotional well-being, and develop skills that can help find employment.
Root’s regular attendees include people with learning and physical disabilities and mental ill-health, elderly and isolated people and prison leavers.
These groups comprise of some of the most vulnerable people in Luton. For many, coming to the garden is their only time to socialise outside their accommodation, partake in activities independently, and meet new people.
The garden costs over £100,000 a year to run and relies on grants and donations from local businesses and people in our local community – like you.
We are raising money to secure the future of Roots and ensure our support for those who need it the most.
We believe that you can help us do this, so we have set a £5,000 target for our local community to raise and support Roots and its members.
The Covid-19 pandemic posed a massive challenge, but not a defeat. When Roots members could not attend the garden, volunteers and staff worked together to bring it to them.
During Mental Health Week, lettuces with the message ‘Lettuce be kind’ were delivered. During Loneliness Week, we gave a tomato plant with the message, ‘Let’s have a Ketchup’ to members experiencing isolation. Observing social distancing measures, the team held socially distanced events, including a cupcake day to raise awareness of Dementia and an award ceremony celebrating Volunteers’ week.
No matter the situation – Roots is always there for its members.
Please support us by giving generously and spreading the word.