Published March 6th, 2015
A community interest project is launching its second scrap metal appeal after its first initiative raised over £3,000.
People and Gardens, which has teamed up with Henry Orchard and Sons for the appeal, helps people with mental health issues and disabilities by allowing them to garden as part of a community.
The organisation, based near St Austell, received £3,064.10 after launching its first appeal in May 2013, asking the public to donate their scrap metal to help fund a new packing shed.
The money raised went towards the £10,000 needed to fund the shed, which will enable the project to expand and supply more customers with the project’s fortnightly veg bags.
Kenneth Radford, founder of the project, said: “We are so grateful to everyone who was involved in our first appeal. The money raised will make such a difference to the project, and everyone here is excited to see it being built.
“We hope people will continue to donate so generously, whether it’s unwanted kitchen utensils or alloy car wheels, so we can fund the next big step for us: a new polytunnel.”
The St Austell branch of Tesco has a collection point for the public to donate steel, aluminium and iron, which is collected and recycled by scrap metal processing merchant Henry Orchard and Sons.
Established in 1997, People and Gardens helps individuals to develop their work and social skills through gardening as part of a community. They produce fortnightly veg bags which are distributed to customers in the St Austell area.
The organisation, situated at the Watering Lane Nursery in Pentewan, grows salad, herbs and vegetables in a large glasshouse – originally built by Tim Smit to grow plants for the Eden Project – and in the neighbouring polytunnels and field.
Henry Orchard, managing director Henry Orchard and Sons, said:“We think People and Gardens do a fantastic job and it’s great to support them through recycling metal waste.
“We’re encouraging more people to search their garages, sheds and lofts and donate unwanted metal and electrical waste to support this amazing cause.”
There are currently around 30 people who participate in the scheme which helps people take control of their lives, find employment and grow their self-esteem by feeling like part of a community.
For more information about People and Gardens, to volunteer or to join, visit: www.peopleandgardens.co.uk.
