Spotlight on our Green Aiders project on 'The One Show', helping residents reclaim their gardens.
Our Green Aiders team features on BBC One’s The One Show.
A recent trip to a Hertfordshire resident’s garden was accompanied by a BBC film crew, and BBC Garden Rescue presenter Chris Hull, for a segment on community impact, which aired on The One Show last night, Monday 9 November.
Groundwork’s Green Aiders programme helps older, disabled, or vulnerable adults take control of overgrown gardens through a one-off garden rescue service. When outdoor spaces are difficult to manage, they can increase the risk of trips and falls, limit physical activity and contribute to social isolation. Unkempt or overgrown gardens can also signal neglect, reduce natural surveillance and attract issues such as fly-tipping or vandalism.
The Green Aiders service, supported by Lifestone Homes, has positive benefits for residents by making gardens more accessible and safer to use.
Emily Evans, Hertfordshire Team Manager at Groundwork East, was interviewed by Chris Hull, about the service whilst cutting back brambles; Green Aiders volunteer Harry spoke about how his involvement has supported his wellbeing and skills development and Settle Housing resident, Mark, was interviewed about his situation and why he needed the Green Aiders team.
The BBC film crew brought a drone for overhead footage, handheld cameras and Go-Pros attached to a strimmer, lawn mover and the fence to capture the action.
It was really rewarding to see the positive impact our work had, it makes it all worthwhile knowing Mark (the resident) can now make better use of his outside space. Most importantly, Mark was very happy with how the garden looked and he can now enjoy spending time outdoors safely.
Emily Evans, Team Manager, Groundwork East
It will make a huge difference, it just really used to upset me seeing it how it was…when you find yourself in a position where you can’t, it’s good to know there is someone there to help you.
Mark, resident
Green Aiders is a really valuable addition to the support we can offer residents. By working in partnership with Groundwork East we’re able to step in early and make a practical difference
Nicola Price, Community Investmant Co-ordinator, Lifestone Homes Ltd