The High Sheriff’s Trust has funded care packs to young people across the Isle of Wight.

More than 200 care packs have been distributed of various types, the most recent being allotment care packs handed out to young people who attend sessions at Network Ryde’s Quarry Road allotment to learn about gardening and DIY. Over 20 youngsters attend the sessions, following guidance and keeping safe while gaining new knowledge and skills. Some of them attend as a provision by their schools as they find mainstream education more challenging and enjoy being out and working in the open air.

The allotment care packs are designed to help students work at home during the current lockdown and supplement Network Ryde’s one-to-one sessions at the allotment. The packs include indoor plant seeds, pots, soil and a spray bottle along with a bird house kit and bird seed. There is also hot chocolate and other treats for the young people to enjoy whilst working with the kits.
The High Sheriff, Caroline Peel, said: “The High Sheriff’s Trust is delighted to be able to help the team at Network Ryde with their allotment project. This is very exciting, and I know that those young people using it will derive a huge benefit from it, not to mention pleasure. There is nothing more encouraging than watching green shoots come up.”

The young people who received them have appreciated the care packs. Comments include: “The stuff in the bag you gave is AMAZING!!! I can’t wait to plant the seeds and decorate the bird house, it’s definitely one of the best bags yet!!!! Thanks so much”. And: “Hi Network Ryde, thank you so much for our care packs! They are full of so many good things to keep everyone busy in lockdown. We look forward to growing some cacti. Right now is a really hard time for lots of young people, but all the effort that Network Ryde team are putting in is helping and supporting us and everyone involved. We can’t wait to see what else you do in the future! Thank you.”

Network Ryde plans to hold an open day at the allotment when it is safe to do so to show of the hard work and dedication by the young people involved. It is hoped they will be able to do this during National Gardening Week, due to be held at the end of April.