28th February 2023
Sanctuary Supported Living
Sanctuary Supported Living has announced details of its prestigious amateur gardening competition for 2023.
Sanctuary Supported Living’s Ready Steady Grow competition returns this March and is looking to reward creative, green-fingered residents across supported living services and retirement communities.
The competition is a unique opportunity to support residents who are encouraged to learn life skills, meet new people, and build their self-confidence. Last year, a resident at Colchester Homelessness Supported Housing, entered the competition to improve their mental health. Their planter designs were based around the concepts of minimalism and tranquillity, and not only helped the resident to destress and maintain a routine but scooped first prize in the “Health and Wellbeing” category.
The competition will celebrate winners in just one category this year – ‘How Does Your Garden Grow?’ - and all residents are invited to enter, whether they have access to a large communal garden or allotment or their own small garden, balcony, or courtyard.
Sanctuary’s Co Regulation Team, who have organised the competition, are offering funding and support for residents to take part.
"We've listened to residents' feedback and this year it's super easy to enter!"
Sue Nutter, Resident Engagement Officer, said: “We’re delighted to be running Ready Steady Grow again. We’ve listened to residents' feedback and this year it’s super easy to enter! Applicants need only email speakup@sanctuary.co.uk to register, and we’ll confirm next steps. It doesn’t matter whether you’re an experienced gardener, a complete beginner or somewhere in between – we’d love to see as many residents as possible getting stuck in. Good luck, everyone, we’re ‘rooting’ for you!”
The winner will receive a £250 gift card from B&Q. The closing date for this year’s event is Monday 17 July. For more information about the Ready Steady Grow competition, see our Ready Steady Grow page, or to find out more about living with us, or find a service near you.
