Kim Wilson, resident of Anchor House, is volunteering her green finger skills for the urban garden at Drug & Alcohol Service for London (DASL). Kim has signed up for the course which asks volunteers to make a commitment of 2-3 hours each week to plan, maintain and grow their own fruit and vegetables. Opportunities are provided for training; support from DASL staff and reimbursement of some expenses e.g. travel.
Volunteers do not have to be a service user, have years of experience or any particular qualifications. The project looks for volunteers who have an empathy with the client group and a passion for gardening which they can use to inspire and engage DASL clients.
Kim Wilson and fellow volunteer working at DASLs Urban Garden
Kim said ‘I got involved with the urban garden at DASL because I wanted to do some voluntary work and I am interested in horticulture. I enjoy it a lot, I really like working outside and I feel happy when I am doing something positive. Since I started this volunteer work the Job Centre have found two jobs in horticulture that I am going to apply for, so watch this space!’
If you want to get involved, please phone Michael O’Dwyer on 0208 257 3068.
Tags: Anchor House, Canning Town, DASL, east london, homeless
