Estimated Price

£4,950

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In relation to the identified priorities in the Guidance & Essential criteria what will your idea achieve and who will benefit from your project?

An onsite welfare unit would enhance the attractiveness of allotmenting in the area and help encourage new members into an active lifestyle choice. Improve inclusion & accessibility for members and local schools who use the site and support local community group capacity and social and environmental awareness.

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Please describe what you plan to do and what the money will be used for? (i.e., purchase equipment/resources)

The Overmills Allotment Association currently operates on a site with no amenities. While the plots provide valuable opportunities for growing food and engaging with nature, the absence of basic facilities limits accessibility, comfort, and the potential to develop the allotments as a wider community resource.

Proposal

We propose the purchase of a welfare unit on-site. This facility would provide a sheltered rest area, toilet facilities, and basic handwashing, significantly enhancing the experience of all members and visitors. We are seeking funding support to partly fund this project, with the Association seeking further funding, contributing resources, fundraising, and volunteer input towards the overall costs. This demonstrates our commitment and ensures shared responsibility for the welfare unit’s installation and upkeep.

Key Benefits and Outcomes

• Health and Wellbeing

Gardening is widely recognised for its physical and mental health benefits. A welfare unit would make the site more welcoming and safer, enabling members to spend longer periods on their plots in comfort. Access to toilets and handwashing facilities supports good hygiene and reduces health risks.

• Community Development and Social Value

The unit would act as a central hub where members can gather, share knowledge, and support one another. It would encourage social interaction, helping to reduce loneliness and social isolation, particularly among older members. The space could be used for small workshops, demonstrations, and community events, further extending the value of the allotments to the local area.

• Accessibility and Inclusivity

Basic amenities will make the allotments accessible to families with young children, older people, and those with mobility or health issues, ensuring that no one is excluded from participation. By improving accessibility, the welfare unit would attract new members and strengthen the long-term sustainability of the association.

• Environmental and Educational Benefits

The welfare unit would support community initiatives around sustainable living, composting, and food growing, helping local people develop practical skills that benefit both households and the wider environment. With a central meeting point, the site could host visits from schools, community groups, and educational projects.

Conclusion

Installing a welfare unit would transform Overmills Allotments into a fully inclusive, safe, and welcoming community resource. It would extend the reach and benefits of the allotments beyond individual plot holders, delivering measurable improvements in health, wellbeing, community cohesion, and education.

The unit is estimated at a cost of £11000-£13500, by part-funding this project, with other funders, you would be helping us create a long-lasting community asset, with the Association itself also contributing towards costs and ongoing management. Together, this partnership approach ensures value for money and a strong, sustainable outcome for the local area.