Local charity, Derby County Community Trust, is today celebrating after being awarded over £20,000 in funding from the Severn Trent Community Fund to support its work with the local community. The charity, based in Derby, will use the cash to extend and enhance their existing allotment provision across two sites in the city.

Derby County Community Trust has been a registered charity since 2008 and aims to improve lives and communities. Since 2020 it has offered 'green' activities as part of its delivery, aiming to provide outdoor activity for a wide range of community groups. It was founded by Luke Wilkinson after he noticed a gap in provision regarding green spaces. Originally developed as part of a national Tackling Loneliness programme throughout the pandemic, the Trust have two 'The Dug Out' sites which allow participants to spend time outdoors, grow produce and understand the importance of a balanced diet and lifestyle.

The sites now support over 50 people from age 6-90, with school and youth groups also attending through various projects.

The new funding from the Severn Trent Community Fund, which awards grant money to improve the three elements of community wellbeing - people, places and environment - means the sites can be improved, reach can be increased and new activities can be delivered.

Luke Wilkinson, Health Team Leader, says: “We’re delighted that the Severn Trent Community Fund has recognised our work in this way. We’re thankful to the Severn Trent Customer Panel for selecting us for funding so that we’ll be able to continue to enrich the lives of our participants through green activities. This is important because it makes the outdoors accessible to many who would otherwise struggle to take part in allotment-based activities.”

Produce grown at the allotment sites will be distributed between participants and donated to local schools and food banks.