Exciting news! It Takes A City (Cambridge) has been chosen to present a 'Beautiful Border 'at the 2026 Gardeners' World Autumn Fair at Audley End (11-13 September).

Over the past few months, our Volunteer Coordinator, Barry Read, has been working alongside an amazing volunteer, Suzie Nicholson, a professional gardener who generously volunteered her time and expertise to transform the outdoor space at Crossways, our emergency accommodation project.

Through her experience with the charity, Suzie has gained a deeper understanding of homelessness and has designed a border, called New Beginnings. The design tells the story of the journey from hardship to hope that she has witnessed residents making as they move away from life on the streets and towards a home of their own.

Suzie says: 'I've felt really included and valued working with Barry and some of the residents in transforming the outdoor space at Crossways. It has been such a valuable experience, understanding the complexities of homelessness and the amazing work It Takes A City undertakes.’

New Beginnings has been chosen for display at the Gardeners' World Fair, giving us a unique opportunity to bring this message of hope to thousands of visitors. More than creating a beautiful display, the border will encourage people to stop, reflect, and better understand the realities of homelessness and the hope that comes with the right support.

Now we need your help to bring this inspiring design to life!

Suzie is raising funds to build the border to share this important message with a wider audience, helping to raise awareness of homelessness while showcasing the life-changing work of It Takes A City. Every donation, large or small will help Suzie turn this vision into a reality and start conversations that challenge perceptions and inspire hope.

Thank you for supporting this project!

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About It Takes A City

It Takes A City is working to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness in Cambridge. Crossways our accommodation project provides people experiencing homelessness with a safe, peaceful place to begin rebuilding their lives. Residents have their own en-suite room, nutritious meals, 24/7 support, and help to move-on to longer term accommodation. There is access to specialist support around housing, substance misuse, mental and physical health services. Everything we do is trauma informed and centred around the individual, helping people to take the next steps to a brighter future.