After creating a haven for nature, Brighton YMCA‘s green-fingered gardening group has been awarded third prize for the second time in a row in the Brighton and Hove in Bloom competition for the Best Wildlife category.
Up against businesses, schools and residents from the city’s community, entrants to the Best Wildlife category must reproduce a habitat as close to the natural world as possible. With new features introduced to the gardens, such as a new pond side border and residing wildlife, including newts, Brighton YMCA’s George Williams Centre in Portslade were encouraged to enter the competition after impressing the award board last year.
Aside from its recreational purpose, the gardening group teaches essential skills which can be applied in further employment, offering focus, physical activity and an opportunity to socialise in a supportive environment.
Resident Mickey has been involved with the group for over a year. After arriving at YMCA as a recovering alcoholic, an addiction which nearly took his life, the group offered him something to focus on. It provided access to a voluntary position that wasn’t too daunting, a clear goal, physical exercise and a number of hours per week.
Mickey said: “Gardening required punctuality, consistency and commitment. It helped build up my strength and manage the resultant aches and pains! Most importantly, it has helped my communication and listening skills.”