A COOPERATIVE has been given Garden of Sanctuary status to celebrate its community work.
Next month, the Reading City of Sanctuary group will present the award to the Hempen Cooperative in recognition of its efforts to welcome and accommodate people of sanctuary seeking background in the town.
Its project, Growing Solidarity, aims to build community resilience through promoting and facilitating connection to ourselves, each other and the natural world through their community garden.
The project, based near Mapledurham, works with people from all walks of life, many of the participants are individuals and families from refugee backgrounds.
Participants grow, harvest, package and cook food, participate in workshops and spend time in nature and with each other.
The award celebration event, planned for Tuesday, January 25, will be a chance to hear more about the project, what it means to the people involved and what it means to the wider community.
The event will include a film screening, hot drinks, a bonfire and opportunities to connect with Reading’s refugee solidarity network.
Sophie and Tom, coordinators of the Growing Solidarity project, said they are feeling “very moved” to receive the award.
“We know that many people seeking sanctuary are fleeing very difficult life circumstances,” they said. “Many are traumatised and exhausted from having nowhere to ground and feel belonging when they make it to the UK.
“The project aims to offer such a space, and we know that the individuals and families that we work with get a lot out of visiting the farm and spending time engaging with meaningful activities, relaxing and socialising.
“It means so much to see the project recognised and valued by the City of Sanctuary.”
Lorraine Briffitt, Chair of Reading City of Sanctuary, said: “We are delighted to work with Hempen Farm. It’s amazing to see the energy they’ve poured into becoming recognised as a ‘Garden of Sanctuary’.
“They are already doing so much to welcome people of sanctuary seeking background and we’re looking forward to celebrating their achievement on the 25th of Jan.
“This comes at a time when solidarity with refugees and asylum seekers is more needed than ever before. It’s inspiring to see community organisations playing their part by stepping up.
“Please do get in touch with us if your organisation would like to start its own journey of welcome.”
And Nikki Walters, City of Sanctuary UK, Gardens of Sanctuary Lead, added: “We are really pleased to present Hempen Farm with a Garden of Sanctuary award.
“The panel was very impressed with how Hempen has involved people seeking sanctuary in Reading with their work, and taken on board their feedback, as well as the continued support they offered to people during the pandemic.
“We are really excited to see how their partnership with Reading City of Sanctuary and other local organisations continues to grow over the coming years.”
To register a place for the event on January 25, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hempen-farm-garden-of-sanctuary-award-celebrations-tickets-224664857637
