Overdue: 112 days
Public benefits
4.1 The direct benefits that flow from this purpose include providing a space for children in a deprived area to learn forest school activities without the cost of excessive membership fees. Creating wildlife habitats in an urban area that allow for educational opportunities in environmental protection for all beneficiaries. By Bringing traditional
countryside activities into a town setting, we will be providing skills training and scope for future job prospects in the field of horticulture and helping people to gain qualifications that are necessary for them to find employment and/or return to work. 4.2 The direct benefits that flow from this purpose are that people’s mental health will be improved as there is significant evidence that working in nature is beneficial for people with mental health issues. It builds confidence, creates structure, and reduces anxiety and stress. People will grow in confidence and take on additional responsibilities. People’s physical health is also improved by doing horticultural activities regardless of skill level or capability. We intend to create an accessible, mobility-friendly space that will allow for people with physical disability to have equal access. 4.3 The beneficiaries will be able to benefit from being in the only green woodland park in the town. People will be able enjoy recreational activities in the outdoors and at the same time have the opportunity to socialise and engage with others which should improve their overall wellbeing. 4.1 Feedback from participants taking part in a range of educational programmes. Following up with people that have completed skills training and apprenticeships to show how this has benefited their job prospects. Membership of kids clubs throughout the season showing the desire to come back and continue outdoor learning. 4.2 Attendance numbers of people at activities especially repeat participants/attenders. We aim to have a no stigma approach to mental health where people do not require referrals so it will be up to members whether they wish to disclose this and comment on how their quality of life has improved. Feedback will be sought from those with physical disabilities to ensure that they have access to everything they wish to participate in, and the appropriate level of support is available where necessary. 4.3 The number of people using the site for recreation and/ or attending events and information gathered from short satisfaction surveys. The purposes of the charity do not lead to any harm. 4.1 Children from local primary schools, several of which are categorised as deprived by the Education Authority. Children from the Bees Nees Nursery School who have limited outdoor space and have an interest in developing a forest school for their pupils to learn and play. Residents in the local community and throughout Newtownards who want to improve or update their skills. 4.2 People from Newtownards who have difficulty accessing the nature spots on the outskirts of the town. People with mental health problems who may have chosen not to access services due to stigma. People that suffer from anxiety and depression who would like to take steps to improve their quality of life. 4.3 All people in Newtownards that have an interest in accessing a quality green space for recreation. Anyone who would like to pursue horticulture, art or music. People with limited finances that have a desire to get involved in activities. There is no private benefit flowing from any of these purposes.
... [more] [less]What your organisation does
We currently run as a voluntary organisation with the purpose of regenerating the derelict green spaces in Talbot Street, Newtownards. We have been actively volunteering since March 2021. The activity has been based on our pilot project which is a small woodland site that has been abandoned for the past 30 years. We have come together as a group to
bring the space back into use by clearing overgrown weeds, making the site safe and removing a mountain of litter. We have created pathways, introduced native planting and wildlife habitats, all the while reducing the anti-social behaviour in the area and making it safe for children to play. We have also done workshops with the primary school, making bird feeders and taking part in the RSPB birdwatch. We intend to run more wildlife educational classes and host community events over the coming months.
... [more] [less]The charity’s classifications
- The advancement of education
- The advancement of health or the saving of lives
- The advancement of environmental protection or improvement
- Other charitable purposes
Who the charity helps
- Adult training
- Children (5-13 year olds)
- General public
- Men
- Mental health
- Older people
- Physical disabilities
- Preschool (0-5 year olds)
- Specific areas of deprivation
- Unemployed/low income
- Voluntary and community sector
- Volunteers
- Women
- Youth (14-25 year olds)
How the charity works
- Education/training
- Environment/sustainable development/conservation
- Sport/recreation