We are super excited to announce that we have been selected to lead an exciting new project centred on food, nature and accessibility for Disabled people in Bristol. This project is part of the broader Community Climate Action Project, funded by the National Lottery’s Climate Action Fund, with an an amazing budget of £50,000. This year-long initiative promises to engage, empower and enable Disabled people in the local area to connect deeply with nature, contribute to food security and play a hands-on role in climate action.
A Project Built with Disabled People, for Disabled People
The Climate and Disability strand of this project emerged from a growing need to ensure that Bristol’s climate initiatives are inclusive and equitable for all. Developed through community consultations, this programme aims to create a just transition, directly involving Disabled people in climate-focused actions that align with their unique priorities. Through this project we renew our commitment to an inclusive response to climate change, recognising the important contributions Disabled people bring to the table.
At this point, RCG is long-established inclusive space where local residents gather to grow, connect and support each other's wellbeing. As a hub for learning and community building, the Garden’s ethos aligns perfectly with the Climate and Disability Project's goals. With the help of Disabled people themselves, the project will introduce accessible features like raised garden beds and deliver engaging activities such as gardening workshops and cookery sessions. Additionally, homegrown meals will cooked by and be distributed to local Disabled individuals, tackling food insecurity and connecting more people with nutritious, home-cooked food.
Kate Swain, CEO of RCG, expressed her enthusiasm:
“This project is an incredible opportunity to bring our community closer together through food and nature, empowering Disabled people to engage fully with our garden. We’re excited to create a space where everyone can contribute, learn new skills, and be part of something that positively impacts both our local environment and the wellbeing of our community.”
Connecting Food, Nature, and Diverse Community Wellbeing
This project is a key component of the citywide Community Climate Action Project, which supports community-driven responses to the climate crisis. Funded by the National Lottery, this project showcases the powerful role communities play in realising Bristol’s climate and nature goals. Bristol’s community climate action plans were developed by collaborating with diverse communities, including Disabled people and refugees, especially in areas facing disadvantage and inequality. These plans represent a range of climate and social priorities identified through community-led conversations, tackling themes from food and waste to energy, transportation and local jobs.
The Climate and Disability programme, in particular, ensures Disabled people’s needs and perspectives are embedded in these broader climate efforts, addressing inequality while helping Bristol achieve a just, sustainable future.
As Emma Geen, Climate and Disability programme Associate with the Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership, shares:
“Food and nature are really important for bringing a community together and into work around climate change, but Disabled people are often locked out of these areas. The project brings to life lots of the ambitions that were in our community climate action plan, and I’m excited to see what Redcatch Community Garden does with the project.”
Join Us!
If you'd like to get involved in this project, there are many ways to do so. We are looking for individuals and organisations to join us for our first Open Forum for the project on Tuesday 3rd December, 12-2pm at our weekly free Community Lunch. Here you can find out more about the project and have your say. We especially want to hear from local Disabled people to help shape and inform the project to make it as accessible as possible!
We invite everyone interested to follow our progress via our blog updates here, attend upcoming sessions or send us an email if you'd like to get involved in any other way at heather@redcatchcg.com. Thank you for your ongoing support and we hope to see you at the Garden soon!
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