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C2C Grows 

Allotment Garden

C2C Grows is a social and therapeutic gardening project established in Autumn 2020. We offer wellbeing gardening sessions for women in the local community of Northampton. Service users and volunteers learn how to grow produce that is then shared and enjoyed at C2C Social Action’s Northampton Women’s Centre. 

How we Support

C2C Grows aims to use gardening to help women service users by increasing social interaction and reducing social isolation; instilling a sense of purpose and increasing self-esteem; improving mood and mental wellbeing and improving service users’ self-care. 

 

The project supports women within C2C who have been involved in and around the criminal justice system; have been identified to be at risk of offending; need to complete community payback hours; are experiencing mental ill health; need support with substance and alcohol recovery; and may have experienced domestic violence, trauma and poverty. 

The project has also opened its space to individuals outside of C2C. We offer services to women on Green prescriptions supported by the NHS and run a successful volunteer programme.

 

C2C Grows is an open and inclusive community project, aimed at providing a relaxing and enjoyable space for women to socialise and learn new skills from one and other, regardless of anyone's personal life and background.

C2C
Service User

‘I feel at peace here, and it reduces my anxiety and busy head.’

C2C
Service User

‘Since coming to the allotment, I have noticed my mood improve and I now have something to look forward to.’  

C2C
Service User

‘I like the fresh air because I usually spend a lot of time indoors.’

Our Plot

The allotment is a beautiful space in which to spend time, especially for participants who live in the town centre and may not have access to outdoor space. The allotment is nestled on the edge of a park and is surrounded by a diverse wealth of nature and wildlife.

 

The plot consists of a terrace of raised beds made from reclaimed scaffold boards; several fruit cages with a range of blackcurrants, redcurrants and gooseberries; a cut flower bed; a herb garden; a mini orchard with apple trees; a greenhouse; 2 polytunnels – one used for growing and one used for an indoor sheltered tea break space, 2 sheds; several compost bays made from reclaimed wooden pallets and a gated pond area/wildlife space encouraging nature to thrive. 

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Allotment Sessions

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Tuesday's (Sow & Grow)

10:30am - 1:30pm

Our Tuesday sessions, also known as Sow & Grow, run all year round. Sessions take place from 10:30am to 1:30pm.

Our Sow & Grow sessions involve sowing, growing, picking and nurturing the allotment alongside both our staff and other women. It is a chance to learn new skills, build confidence, and connect with others in a supportive environment. There is also the opportunity to take fresh produce home.

Between November and March, we host a monthly C2C Cooks session, where participants come together to prepare and share meals using ingredients grown on the allotment.

Our regular sessions include a range of seasonal activities such as sowing seeds, harvesting produce, and maintaining the space, ensuring there is always something meaningful and enjoyable to get involved in.

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Thursday's (Bloom & Grow)

10:30am - 1:30pm

Our Bloom & Grow sessions offer a relaxed, creative space where participants can connect with nature and each other.

 

Compared to the more structured Sow & Grow sessions, Thursdays focus on gentle, mindful activities that support wellbeing and creativity.

Participants enjoy nature-inspired crafts, creating pieces that either enhance the allotment or are sold to help raise funds.

 

We also host themed sessions throughout the year, including events for Mental Health Awareness Week, with recent activities such as lip balm and bath salts making.

Alongside crafts, there are always light gardening tasks like watering, harvesting, and sowing—ideal for those who prefer a slower, flexible pace.

Volunteering Opportunities

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C2C Grows volunteering

We offer volunteer opportunities at our women’s allotment gardening project in Kingsthorpe, Northampton

 

Volunteers work alongside our Outdoor Support Workers to help support our women service users. We run therapeutic gardening sessions and grow a range of fruit, flowers and vegetables for service users and volunteers to take home.

 

Available sessions: Tuesdays 10.30am - 1pm.

A DBS check is required which C2C Social Action will process.

Local travel expenses will also be reimbursed.

 

For more information contact: 

 

Jo

Allotment Project Manager

M: 07885685781 

allotment@c2csocialaction.com

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C2C Grows contact

C2C Grows Enquiries 

For more information about C2C Grows sessions and services please get in touch!

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