Friendship and Fellowship
During Lockdown

When colder weather and tighter Covid restrictions brought our Community Allotment outdoor sessions to an early close last October, we moved the meetings online.

Managed by Karen Heynike, our Land and Estates Manager, the weekly sessions give participants an opportunity to learn new skills and take part in group activities, helping them to stay connected and feel less isolated, particularly during the current lockdown. One participant said, “I have really enjoyed the fellowship and friendship” and another said, “I have enjoyed every single part of the project enormously.”

The twice-weekly online sessions include activities ranging from Pilates to card-making, bulb planting and even virtual mince pie tasting. Participants receive activity packs, meal-making kits and links to interesting podcasts, online talks and articles to enjoy between sessions, with many of the resources donated by local businesses like Woodlarks Nurseries.

Feedback from the participants has been really positive, with many valuing the opportunity to feel part of the community, socialise with like-minded people and maintain friendships while staying at home.