Southsea community garden blooms as it undergoes transformation to help neuro disabled people

A community garden in Southsea is helping people with neurodisabilities develop new skills and connect with others.

The garden at Minstead Trust’s Warren Avenue Day Opportunities has undergone a transformation through a partnership between hospitality group The Coastal Kitchen Family, Mountjoy, and the people supported by the charity.

Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan recently visited the site to see the progress made and meet those involved in the project.

During the visit, staff and people supported by Minstead Trust showcased some of the produce grown in the garden, which was used to prepare canapés with help from The Coastal Kitchen Family.

The garden provides people attending Warren Avenue with opportunities to develop practical gardening and maintenance skills, enjoy time outdoors and build social connections.

Lisa Lee, East Hampshire operations director at Minstead Trust, said: “Working alongside Coastal Kitchens has transformed our garden into a thriving space full of unusual fruits, vegetables and herbs that are now finding their way into local restaurant kitchens.

“The partnership gives the people we support meaningful opportunities to learn new skills, contribute to something tangible and take pride in seeing produce they’ve helped grow being enjoyed by others. It has been a truly collaborative relationship that benefits everyone involved and is enjoyed by both our staff and the people we support.”

New raised beds, constructed by Mountjoy, have made it possible to grow a wider variety of fruit, vegetables and herbs throughout the year.

Those supported by Minstead Trust have also played an active role in shaping the space. Members of the Warren Avenue maintenance team have built additional planters using recycled wooden pallets, which are now being used to grow organic garlic and lettuce.

Jay, who is part of the maintenance and gardening teams, said: “It gives me motivation. It keeps me fit and I’m healthier now – I’ve lost 16 stone. I really enjoy it and like coming here.”

During his visit, Stephen Morgan joined volunteers from The Coastal Kitchen Family and people supported by Minstead Trust to plant an apple tree.

Further trees are planned as part of a second phase of development, which will expand the growing space and create an even more welcoming environment for those attending the service.

The Coastal Kitchen Family has raised £11,242 for Minstead Trust through its charity of the year partnership, helping to fund the garden's development.