In 2020, the NAAFI Fund awarded WO2 Martin Ash RM a grant of £20,000 to develop a beautiful, community welfare garden at Quantock House in Taunton.
The goal was to turn a previously uninspiring garden area into a family-friendly space for children to play safely and adults to spend meaningful time, as well as contributing to the upkeep and maintenance of the area.
Work on the area began in September 2021 and now includes a planted patio, composite decking and several raised interactive beds, used by families to plant flowers and vegetables. This has also helped to create a safe space for parents and guardians to spend time together and seek support from the welfare team, with focus on reducing feelings of depression, anxiety and stress-related symptoms.
During an open day the families were invited to plant spring bulbs and vegetables and encouraged to return and check on their progress. Not forgetting taking them home to sample!
WO2 Martin Ash RM said about the project: “I would like to thank the NAAFI Fund and Urban and Rural Gardens for making this garden possible. It has given Quantock House a much more usable space and, in the future, we plan to host family picnics, Easter trails and much more.”
“I encourage serving personnel and their families to attend the garden and to take advantage of the benefits. Why not pop in to one of our coffee mornings, which are held every Thursday at 10am?”
