Self help group is ready to dig in

A South Holland community group is digging in to help more people than ever with food, clothing and energy bills by launching its own allotment.

The Holbeach Hero’s was originally started during the second lockdown in the midst of the pandemic.

Initially it was a community self-help group offering support and practical help to those who were struggling.

But it has since become a one-stop-shop for people who need food, clothing or help with rocketing energy bills.

A founder of the group, Sarah Phoenix, has also recently signed up for an allotment for members to grow their own food.

“We have got all we need to get started, it’s just the weather that we are waiting for now,” she said.

Aside from the seeds and tools, the allotment also needs volunteers to help when the growing season is finally under way.

“We have plenty to do and it will be a community project. There’s plenty for children to get involved with – they can grow their own plants,” said Sarah.

“We have someone who is rotavating it for us, but we need to start properly around the end of the month to get things in the ground

Notcutts have donated a range of items including top soil, and Spalding-based Taylors Bulbs have also pledged to get involved.

“It should be great and I’m looking forward to getting it up and running,” said Sarah.

The allotment is the latest initiative for the group which is now helping more people than during the height of the pandemic.

“We are helping with food donations, topping-up energy meters and people need us now more than ever,” she said.

A garage is used to store food which is donated from a variety of sources, and support is always appreciated.

The group is holding a raffle at the end of this month and is currently appealing for prizes to go on offer.

Fundraising is a key part of the group, specially as help is often requested by people needing pre-payment meters topping-up.

“We help people who literally cannot afford to eat or cannot afford their energy costs – some are looking at £20 a day,” she added.

If anyone can help the group, either with raffle prizes or donations, including supermarket vouchers, email mummymade2021@gmail.com

The group can also be found on Facebook under Holbeach Hero’s.