Over the last few months Tom Robinson from the Best of Bensham and a small team of volunteers have been working hard to bring the Gateshead Carers allotment back to life, after a period where it hadn't been in use and had become quite overgrown.  Now that it's been cut back and made safer we are delighted to be able to launch the allotment as a new partnership project between Gateshead Carers, Best of Bensham and the Oxford Terrace and Rawling Road Medical Group.

As well as a new lease of life it now also has a new name PLOT~42 and a new logo! 

Beneficiaries and volunteers from across the Best of Bensham Collaborative can be referred to the allotment and Tom, who is coordinating the project, will follow up the referral and find suitable arrangements for them getting involved.  People can get involved at any level to suit them.  

We are hoping the allotment will be a space for people to get some light exercise, spend time outdoors, learn about growing food and healthy eating and build social connections.  Following the lockdowns, it's a good opportunity for people to start engaging with others in a safe environment. Looking ahead to the summer, we are hoping to have the allotment set up for individuals or small groups to come and use the space for some respite time, to get some fresh air and potentially do some outdoor activities.  There is a patio area and a decking area with tables and chairs available.  

To find out more about volunteering or to arrange a visit to PLOT~42 please contact Claire Parker, our Volunteer Coordinator claire.parker@gatesheadcarers.com 

These before and after photos show what a fantastic job Tom and the small team of volunteers have achieved already!!