It has long been recognised how therapeutic gardening can be, which is why the Veterans’ Foundation is happy to support Dig In, a military community charity that gets people together to enjoy the outdoors and do practical skills.
In March 2024 we awarded Dig In the first of two grants of £23,000 to fund a project manager for two years.
The charity is based in a walled garden in Preston, where more than 60 veterans, servicemen and women, and their families, can go to garden, whether growing plants in the greenhouse to sell, or food in the garden to share with the group.
They can also learn a new practical skill, such as carpentry, photography or stone masonry, or to go fishing or enjoy company out on various trips.
The charity survives on its fundraising efforts, including proceeds from the sale of items its beneficiaries make in the woodworking shed, such as benches and garden furniture, planters and raised beds, and Christmas decorations.
“It is absolutely fantastic to get this support from the Veterans’ Foundation to enable us to keep bringing this vital service to the armed forces community,” said Project Manager, Claire Grant.
“We get no statutory funding so it this is a tremendous help, and we know how much our beneficiaries appreciate it. They get so much out of this service, whether they attend on a short-term basis or continue to come over a longer period, regardless of whether they have been referred by a mental or occupational health therapist or just turn up. And it is great for us to see how much they prosper as a result.”
To support brilliant charitable organisations that help our veterans, just like Dig In, play the Veterans' Lottery and join the community that has helped the Veterans' Foundation award over £25 million in grants to more than 500 different causes.
