Local disability charity Ideal for All celebrates opening of a new accessible kitchen at their award-winning Salop Drive Market Garden
Ideal for All work to make life better for disabled, elderly and vulnerable people and their carers. In July they celebrated the official opening of their new replacement building equipped with accessible kitchen facilities. This development is part of a broader effort to boost accessibility and community support, made possible by over £130,000 in funding.
A key contribution included a £88,339 grant from the Inclusive Communities Fund. The Inclusive Communities Fund was created to serve as a catalyst to address inequalities, forge deeper connections between individuals and organisations, and continue the legacy of the 2022 Commonwealth Games. It has been made possible by the UK Government through the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) and has been overseen by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).
The funding also supports the enhancement of their existing three-acre community market garden in Sandwell. The garden will be made more accessible for disabled individuals, safer for all users, and enriched with sensory experiences, additional seating areas, and therapeutic features. This vital green space combats chronic loneliness and social isolation by bringing people together and fostering a sense of community. The project also ensures the preservation of this sustainable greenspace, leaving a lasting legacy for residents and visitors alike.
Khatija Patel, Chief Executive of Ideal for All, said:
“This support is invaluable in our mission to provide accessible green spaces and horticultural therapy to our community, creating a lasting legacy. The generosity of funders, alongside other partners and supporters reflects a shared commitment to our cause to address inequality’s across the region. With these resources, we can bring people together, further empower disabled individuals and those with long-term health conditions to thrive by improving collective health and well-being.”
Carol Goff, Chair of Ideal for All said:
“We are immensely grateful to everyone for believing in our vision. This will expand our reach and impact, ensuring that every person, regardless of age or ability, has the opportunity to live life to the fullest.”
Tina Costello OBE, Chief Executive of the Heart of England Community Foundation said:
“I’m absolutely delighted that Ideal for All have secured funding from the Foundation to support this brilliant initiative. We have worked with Ideal for All previously so are aware of the incredible work they do in supporting positive mental health, independence and well being for disabled people. We know that access to green space encourages positive mental health so I can’t wait to see how the project progresses.”