About Us
“Growing together” first took shape in 2019 and offered growing and cooking opportunities to the communities of Craigshill; with the development of community growing spaces, workshops and activities to compliment this. During the pandemic the importance of safe community outdoor spaces and the ability to grow food with and for our community became ever more important.
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Now through the Scottish government “Investment in communities funding” we are delighted to be relaunching and expanding the remit of the “Growing together” project.
A unique and fully funded collaborative project delivered through WLYAP, SPARK and Almond housing the Project will stand alone and be led by what the people of Craigshill want from their environment and the places they live and work.
Project Activity & Outcomes
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Growing Together is committed to deliver across 7 Project areas.
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Deliver and Integrated model of mental wellbeing and resilience courses.
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Deliver financial and capability training and Family Goal Setting training to maximise income and build economic resilience.
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Deliver an annual program of environmental activity, focussing on green action
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Deliver an annual program of activity to include energy action and carbon literacy.
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Deliver an annual program of youth skills developing training.
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Create a learning and event space with growing, nutritional cooking and share and repair facilities.
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Deliver a programme of resident led community events that increase social engagement and build community impact.
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If you would like to find out how we are getting on with these or think you could benefit from or support the delivery of any of the project Activities please get in touch.
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1st April 2024 to 30th September 2024 condensed statistics
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Delivered 37 events, pop ups and workshops in the Craigshill community with a total attendance of 1027 participants.
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Delivered 14 School sessions with at total attendance of 165 participants across 3 Schools.
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Delivered Biodiversity workshops to every P5, P6 & P7 pupil in Craigshill on site at both Craigshill Community Garden and at Rowan Grove Community Garden.
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Managed and maintained 5 community gardens.
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Facilitated 13 ‘Transform Craigshill’ group meetings.
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Supported 9 regular garden volunteers with a total of 381 participant hours.
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Offered advice, plants and support to 10 local groups with development of new growing spaces in their areas.
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Led joint sessions alongside 23 other organisations including West Lothian council, Killandean Allotment association, Livingston & District Horticultural Society, Spark, Daisy drop in, Woodland trust, TCV, WLLP’s, Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh.
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Provided regular fresh vegetables from the Craigshill community garden to the Craigshill community fridge each week – 200kg+
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The Benefits of Community engagement
Community engagement is a catalyst for positive social change, promoting unity, inclusivity, and a shared commitment to a better future. Offering many benefits that contribute to the overall well-being and growth of both individuals and the community as a whole.
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Establishing a sense of belonging and fostering social cohesion to reduce feelings of isolation; Furthermore, community engagement promotes the exchange of ideas, skills, and resources, creating a supportive network that enhances collective problem-solving.
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This involvement not only strengthens community bonds but also empowers individuals to take ownership of their shared environment, fostering a collaborative and resilient community that can effectively address challenges and celebrate successes together.
Our Aims
"That all local people will have opportunities to engage with the project, through activities, workshops and community projects and events designed to enhance and benefit the area of Craigshill and the people who live, work and use this area."
