GREEN-FINGERED older Silhillians can beat loneliness and do a spot of gardening after new allotments were opened in the borough.
The allotments area has been created at Birmingham Business Park, and Age UK Solihull have been allocated two of the six beds as the park’s charity of the year 2019.
Age UK Solihull users are able to visit the allotments as often as they like, growing vegetables with the support of on-site landscapers, and taking produce home with them.
The remaining four allotments have been sponsored by businesses on the site, for employees to visit on their breaks.
The allotments were officially opened by the former Solihull Mayor, Councillor Flo Nash.
Age UK Solihull’s fundraising team, and service users Bill, Barbara and Vicky went along to the launch to see the allotments, meet the landscapers and get stuck in with some digging.
Age UK Solihull’s fundraising manager, Lorraine Hart, said: “It is estimated that 4,000 over 65s in Solihull see themselves as intensely lonely.
“These allotments offer a fantastic opportunity for older people in Solihull to get out and connect with nature, be active and enjoy the company of others.
“Our clients thoroughly enjoyed the launch event, and we hope that more older people will visit the allotments throughout the year.”
Liz Allister, Birmingham Business Park development manager said, “Our new allotments are a wonderful opportunity for our charity of the year, Age UK Solihull, to fully engage in our wellbeing activities and join our community allotment club with our occupiers.
“As a park we are proud of our links with local charities and local schools to fully engage and support our local community.
“This initiative is unique as it brings together our occupiers and local community in a beautiful environment with a common purpose.”
