Visitors wowed by homelessness project’s garden transformation

Visitors have been wowed after seeing an old curtain tape factory transformed into a beautiful garden and thriving day centre by homelessness organisation Derventio Housing Trust.

Homeless residents, along with drug and alcohol recovery service users and Derventio staff have created the garden at the Growing Lives day centre in the old factory building, in Cotmanhay.

The centre is now home to a bike repair and maintenance workshop, craft room, art studio and kitchen – helping rebuild lives torn apart by drugs, alcohol and homelessness.

Visitors were able to see the transformation firsthand after the trust recently held an open day.

Representing the Derbyshire Lieutenancy office, John White DL said: “Over the years I’ve seen many social not for profit organisations and it’s really a pleasure to see this working. The garden is incredible and the workshop to die for.

“It’s obviously a facility that’s needed. They are doing such good job in satisfying that need.”

Canon Romita Shrisunder, from Derby Cathedral, said: “I’m overwhelmed by the love, care, passion and commitment to seeing people flourish here, and the way people can enjoy themselves, grow, and have opportunities to develop their skills in the arts, woodwork and gardening.

“Growing Lives is very deceptive from the outside – you don’t realise how big and beautiful it is.”

Derventio Housing Trust provides accommodation to around 1,200 people a year in five UK counties who would otherwise be homeless.

Its Growing Lives project is free to attend for residents along with others referred there to help with their drug and alcohol recovery.

Participants come regularly to spend time working in the garden, workshop, arts and crafts rooms and kitchen, as well as receive mentorship and support from Derventio Housing Trust’s dedicated staff.

Sarah Hernandez, managing director of Derventio Housing Trust, said: “We were delighted that many people from the local community attended our open day at Growing Lives.

“It’s a highly valued project that’s giving people vital skills to rebuild their lives and see a brighter future.

“Participants have worked very hard to create a beautiful, flourishing garden that’s really transformed an old factory space into somewhere that’s very valued by a lot of people in Cotmanhay.”