Funding boost for Meir Matters

Meir Matters has received £3,200 in funding to make their Sow & Grow site accessible to the whole community and keep running sessions all year round with a new poly-tunnel.

Meir Matters is a group with more than 130 members who run a community allotment, and are dedicated to helping people struggling with mental health issues, bringing them out of isolation, improving their wellbeing and building cohesion in the community.

The funding was granted as part of Great British Pubs and Carling Your Pub Can campaign. This Carling Made Local initiative sees Great Britain’s number one lager brand support a range of local community projects across the UK.

The funding will support the Sow & Grow project which supports people to improve their mental and educational wellbeing through horticulture. The improvements mean the site will be used across the community – from education methods for younger generations to sessions for those over 55 and people struggling with mental health issues who may be at risk of isolation. The new poly-tunnel will mean food can be grown all year round and the produce will also be distributed free of charge to families in poverty.

The funding will have a lasting impact for Meir Matters and project founder, Michelle Swift said: “Our group is all about improving the area and the livelihoods of residents who live here. We want to make a positive impact in reducing isolation and improving mental health within our community. 2020 will see “sow and grow” become an asset and utilised area within our town providing facilities and activities that are needed within our town. It’s amazing to see such large brands like Carling investing into communities and supporting us to help achieve our goal, without them the project would not have moved so quickly and for that we are extremely grateful.”

To find out more about Meir Matters visit www.facebook.com/meirmatters/