The Children’s Foundation

The Children’s Foundation, a small independent children’s charity, focuses on improving the health and well-being of children and young people in the North East of England. With their allotment projects they provide young people with a communal space to improve their social and emotional well-being.

The children are encouraged to work together and think creatively to improve outdoor spaces and connect with nature.

In addition, Therapeutic Horticulture and tuition (leading to City & Guilds Level 1 in Practical Horticulture) can be given to disadvantaged young people, those struggling within the classroom environment, those with behavioural issues or those on reduced school timetables or on the verge of exclusion.

Myson UK heads outdoors

The allotment projects require quite a lot of time and effort so the Children’s Foundation welcomes every helping hand. 26 employees from Myson’s Gateshead and Birtley sites were happy to volunteer and rolled up their sleeves at a site in Coxlodge, Newcastle upon Tyne. On 4 different occasions during the month of May, various teams helped to cut down overgrown grass and weeds, lay new paths, plant flowers and trees, erect fences, tidy the site and remove rubbish.

“It was a fantastic experience helping the local community, and in particular, children and young people from the North East. We had good weather and everyone enjoyed spending time together outside, and bonding outside of work”, says Helen Duke, HR manager at Myson. “We have given a commitment to continue supporting the Children’s Foundation with any future projects, helping us to support the local community and do our bit towards the environment and looking after nature.”

Before

green-fingers-before

Team work

green-fingers-teamwork-1 green-fingers-teamwork-2

After

green-fingers-after