Campaign by Story
Right now, more people than ever need safe, welcoming spaces where they can just breathe, connect and feel less alone. Our grassroots garden does exactly that and we need your help to keep it open.
We’re launching a five-week appeal to raise £5,000 so the garden can continue supporting people seeking safety in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
People who have fled war, violence and persecution often face isolation, loneliness and mental health challenges. Recent policy proposals from the Home Secretary worsen this, making it so much more difficult for refugees to integrate, to settle and to become part of our communities. Our garden is a peaceful, green space away from crowded hotels and long waiting times for people stuck in limbo awaiting their asylum decision or a place at college. The grassroots garden is somewhere for them to heal, practice English and learn new skills. More than anything else, it brings people together, helping them to connect and feel part of a safe, welcoming and empowering community.
The garden wouldn’t be the garden without volunteers with lived experience. Last year 15 out of the 27 volunteers who supported the garden had lived experience of the asylum system. In the garden, they gain confidence, skills and purpose while caring for nature, building something beautiful for others and helping provide fresh ingredients for our café, which serves up to 100 people a day.
Your donation will help keep this space open for the 100 people seeking refuge who engaged in at least one garden activity last year. Over the coming weeks, you’ll hear stories and updates so you can see the difference your support makes.
From Khaled, a garden volunteer from Sudan:
If I could share one message it would be: the garden is amazing and so important to so many people seeking asylum who are alone, waiting and having a difficult time. The garden is a place where they can go two days a week and do something great. Often there are 10 volunteers there and there are always more people coming to volunteer. This garden is so important to us.
Read Khaled's story here.
And, because we know that for many people you need to see it to believe it, everyone who donates, or who is simply just interested, is warmly invited to our Grassroots Open Garden on Thursday 2nd April 2026 for food, games and activities! We’d love for you to come and see this hidden gem for yourselves!
Whatever you are able to give, your support will help us this sanctuary thriving - please donate if you can!