New allotment to support drug and alcohol recovery across Scunthorpe

20 November 2023

Community allotment now available to Scunthorpe drug and alcohol charity in ‘green’ approach to support recovery

Alcohol, drug and mental health charity WithYou has been provided a community allotment to support lasting recovery of Scunthorpe clients.

Thanks to support from North Lincolnshire Council, WithYou has access to an allotment in Bottesford enabling the charity to provide year-round activities for clients — as well as their families, WithYou staff and volunteers.

Spending time in nature like an allotment can be an important catalyst for recovery, with research showing that access to green spaces is associated with positive health and social outcomes. Similarly, limited access to green spaces has been linked to higher stress levels, a common driver of issues with drugs and alcohol, including relapses.

WithYou in North Lincolnshire provides a free, non-judgemental and confidential service working with adults who want to make a change — whether that’s cutting down drug or alcohol use or stopping completely. As part of the service, WithYou offers a breadth of activities to support the full and lasting recovery of clients from art and social groups to structured drug and alcohol interventions. The new allotment will enable the charity to expand their offer of activities to clients and their families.

Karen Gray, Lived Experience Worker at WithYou in North Lincolnshire leading on the project, said:

“The sizable plot already has great potential with mature fruit trees and lots of clear space. We can see so much potential with the space and will be working with clients and staff to tidy up over the winter in preparation for spring planting. The rain won’t stop us!

“The service runs regular groups and they’ve been tasked with creating designs for the space - so far ideas have included a sensory garden and summerhouse.”

Kate House, Head of Service Delivery at WithYou in North Lincolnshire, said:

“I’m thrilled to be able to offer our clients the opportunity to spend more time outdoors in our brand new allotment. We’ve already had equipment and tools kindly donated by the local community and will be planning a seasonal calendar of client and family events to make best use of the space.

“I would like to thank North Lincolnshire Council for providing this community space which, together with our in-service client garden, will continue to make a real difference to the wellbeing and recovery of our clients.”

Cllr Richard Hannigan, deputy leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said:

“We are delighted to support WithYou, who are committed to adopting a rehabilitative and recovery approach to the overall well-being of people. We will continue to support initiatives which enable access to education, training and employment alongside supporting people to find and participate in, rewarding leisure and community activities.

“We look forward to seeing how the team at WithYou transforms this allotment space.”

If you would like to learn more about the service, how to get involved with the project or have any gardening equipment to donate, please contact WithYou in North Lincolnshire northlincsadmin@wearewithyou.org.uk call 01724 857633 or visit their website wearewithyou.org.uk.

WithYou runs a free, confidential webchat service which offers expert advice on drugs, alcohol and mental health. To access the webchat, or find out more out the support offered by the charity, please visit wearewithyou.org.uk