Flourish is a project set up by Common Cause Co-operative on September 1, 2015 and funded by the National Lottery, Reaching Communities Fund.
We're based in Lewes, at The Hive and our aim is to increase the wellbeing of people with disabilities and those with mental health challenges. This we do by running different sessions where it's possible to gain skills and meet others outdoors in the fresh air, in and around the town.
WHAT WE DO
We work with people with complex disabilities with the aim of increasing confidence as well as social and living skills to help widen life opportunities.
We have three broad areas of work
- LCA - Lewes Community Allotment
Part time project co-ordinator Sarah Rideout (Tues, Weds) runs regular drop-in and other sessions on Wednesdays at LOAP, our Community Allotment on the Downs behind Highdown Road on the Nevill in Lewes, where we welcome various people, including groups from St Nicholas Day Centre.
Here is some of the feedback we've had: "You are lovely people to work with, thank you". "It's my favourite sessions". "I liked to plant things from seed".
We always appreciate having new volunteers, so do get in touch if you have some free time on Wednesdays!
Here's a video about LOAP.
If you have any questions about the allotment sessions, you can contact Sarah via email: flourishloap@gmail.com or 07502 608929
2. Days we run with Plumpton College Interns
We work annually with supported interns from Plumpton College on our Community Orchard at Ringmer, where, amongst other things we do, Peter May shares his expertise on Sussex apples, and apples in general.
The aim of the days with Plumpton interns is to teach skills related to fruit - such as picking, grading, weighing, juicing, pasteurising, label design and selling.
Some of the time we spend with the interns takes place at Plumpton College, as well as other locations such as Brighton Permaculture at Stanmer Park. and with local businesses, such as the Elephant and Castle pub (and microbrewery) in Lewes
3. Baulcombes Barn
Farmer and therapist Owena Lewis at Baulcombes Barn in Hamsey works with a group from Bluebell House Recovery Support Centre, Burgess Hill. Every week, they help take care of the pigs, hens, sheep and horses.
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One member of the group told us: "It's a lifesaver, coming here. Gets me out of the house and into the fresh air."
Another said: "When you're not trusting of people, coming here opens you up. I love it. It's the animals. I can't wait for Wednesdays. I love the horses. We groom them fuss over them. Get close to them."
How to contact us:
Here are our our Facebook page and Twitter feed
Emma Chaplin is Flourish's part time project manager.
Her working hours are generally Mon 8.30-3pm, Tues 8.30-3pm, Wed 8.30-2.30pm
flourishlewes@gmail.com
07752 384852
