Salvation Army lends land for community allotment

The Salvation Army in Oldbury is working with a local veterans charity to help them reach out to local ex-military service personnel through a community allotment project. 

The Salvation Army community church has provided the use of land which can be cultivated and used for growing fresh produce.  

Captain Carl Wardley, Corps Officer at Oldbury Salvation Army said: “We are pleased to partner with Stepway, a relatively new charity to help veterans in our community meet up with others at our site.  

“Our work fits together well as both organisations have a heart for all people, so it makes sense for us to be involved by allowing some of our land for a community garden project as well as providing access to our buildings so that people can meet and feel safe. We are also able to offer pastoral support to veterans.” 

“We also have experts on site through our Employment Plus service who can help veterans wanting to get back into the job market, so it makes sense to work hand in hand with Stepway.” 

In addition to the community garden project, Stepway will have therapy services, a drop-in centre and run a skills programme supporting veterans in learning skills needed for civilian life, such as courses for benefits, budgeting, accessing mental health services, shopping, education and employment skills.  

Dawn Turner, Founder and Operations Director together with Perminder Kundi,  Co-founder & CEO at Stepway said: “Stepway are delighted to announce the new partnership with The Salvation Army in Oldbury. This has allowed the charity to expand their services into the West Midlands to support more veterans in civilian life, no matter their background or circumstance”.  

The new partnership began in April. The community garden is just under 100 square metres. There is a polytunnel, raised beds for ease of access for people with disabilities and ground plots for people to grow their own fruit and veg. There is also a seating area, for relaxation and to aid mental wellbeing.  

Everyone in the community is invited get involved with the community garden. If members of the public wish to join in with the project, contact details are: Carol Goult, Community project lead:  email: carol.goult@stepway.org or call: 07773625573.