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Dig It Case Studies
Debbie’s Story
Debbie has recently accessed MIND peer support workers through our new Monday afternoon sessions. Debbie said it was nice to meet others with the same interests. "I am not very good at socialising but I look forward to coming here. I arrange my appointments around it now if I can also hate it if they (services & agencies that support Debbie) book in when I am meant to be here and I have to miss the allotment because I have appointments or phone call meetings." Debbie comes to the allotment to meet new friends, and it keeps them in touch with what is happening around them. "I struggle with making more time for myself at home because I always feel I have to do something. Here I can just be and my anxiety goes" Debbie enjoys working alongside the students from Cafe Cornell. "It is nice to know you're not segregated cause you have a learning disability. That doesn't happen here. I have a son that suffers, and he struggles that's why I love what they do here"
Tom’s Story
My project worker told me about it. I said I'd come and join and help. I used to do Bridge End Gardens. I've always liked gardening, I used to help my dad. He used to grow everything. He's passed away now, but I always helped him. I'm happy down here, I love it down here, I love coming here. I’m glad I found out about this place, it’s really peaceful and the people are lovely. I'd rather be here doing stuff than be home doing nothing. It keeps me busy. It's nice to meet up with so many people and it builds my confidence up. I need to start building that up. All the people here are lovely, it makes me happy & I feel happier.
Alison’s Story
Lynne (Alison’s friend) dragged me with her. She dropped me off but I carried on to enjoy what you do there, social circle & camaraderie. Today there wasn't much I could do because I was in pain, but I thought, no I want to go, so I just popped up to get out for an hour. I miss it if I don't come up. Even if I can’t do anything, I can have a chat, it gets me out, gives me purpose & you feel your giving something back to the community. We chat, discuss things, bounce it around, the fact that everybody can give an idea, we're asked what everyone thinks, which is nice. We can come in even if we're not able to do anything physical, nobody thinks anything and you don't feel guilty. You're welcomed in no matter what. I don't always feel able but want to get out, particularly in the winter months. It gets me out and they are a great gang. I enjoy the group; we have not got too big. The group helps everybody, we all help one another. It’s a happy atmosphere.
Margaret’s Story
I was very low being indoors all the time, I felt low and needed to get out to do something. I got into Citizens Advice, saw a lady and said is there anything I can do? I didn't want to be stuck in a charity shop so she referred me to Dig It and the Laura called. I’m a walker but I walk too fast, so this gives me something else to do. I like the flexibility of it. It really has been great for my head. I have three days I can look forward to. At one point I was coming one day, then Mencap needed more support on Wednesdays, so they got my DBS done and I started an extra day. It really has been a gift to me, to be able to get out of the house whatever the weather. The crowd here are so easy, you have somewhere to fit in and I felt like I fitted in straight away. Everyone is so welcoming, from the first day I couldn't wait to come back. Another bonus is I bring my dinner home alongside what I have learned to grow in my own home. I just love it. Lisa is fantastic. I would give her stars if I could. I like instruction and I like keeping things tidy. It was arranged to have Anna from Annas Flower Farm show us how to make compost properly. I cannot stress how brilliant that was.
Cafe Cornell Student Parents
Jess has also really enjoyed it and it's such a lovely, healthy and worthwhile activity - Thank you to all who enabled it to take place - Jess's mum
All transferable skills and their enthusiasm for growing things will stay with them I loved seeing all the very smiles each week come rain or shine. Great experience and hopefully one that can be repeated - Declan's mum
Such a shame it’s the last one, they all loved it there and it was great seeing all the hard work they had done. Well done to you all, so sad Carl said it’s the best thing he has ever done. - Carls mum
Look how much they all love it! Thank you Dig It for allowing them to learn - Lisa Miles