Sharnford Parish Council

Green Flag Award assesses parks and open spaces across the UK against 27 individual criteria, including being a healthy, safe and secure site as well as ensuring a welcoming place with a focus on community involvement.

Feedback following the assessment by Green Flag judges also said that A Place to Grow is: "obviously much appreciated by the people that use it".

The community garden has received positive reviews from users and residents, including Chris, who decided to attend a workshop at the garden after feeling confined to his studio flat during the height of coronavirus. Chris lives with bipolar disorder, and the Enderby community garden remains a supportive and calming environment for him.

Chris said: "[A Place to Grow] gives me somewhere to relax in a peaceful environment. It gets me out of my flat and gives me a different perspective. I enjoy being able to socialise and chat to other people who are like me."

Sessions offered at the community garden include Saturday Family Garden Club and Green Social Prescribing. All sessions at the garden help those living with or affected by a physical or mental health condition to enjoy the outdoors.

Councillor Sharon Coe, Blaby District Council's portfolio holder for Health, Wellbeing, Community Engagement and Business Support, said: "We couldn't be prouder of the positive impact A Place to Grow continues to have on its users' health and wellbeing.

"Receiving the Green Flag Award for the tenth year in a row is a testament to all the hard work our staff, service users and volunteers do to make the garden such a welcoming and safe space. Supporting residents is so important to us as we continue to develop and deliver a variety of sessions for all to get involved in."

For more information on volunteering and getting involved in the garden, visit www.blaby.gov.uk, e-mail leisure@blaby.gov.uk or call 0116 272 7703. » Less