Lilies, lavender, berries, kale, onions, spring greens, salad leaves and herbs are just a handful of plants grown by the hands of the SAY Women team and the girls and women who use our service! It continues to bring lots of joy to us as an organisation, and as individuals navigating, healing and thriving from lived experiences of trauma and homelessness.
In the early days of Summer in 2024, Say Women approached the team at Shettleston Community Growing Project to begin a conversation on how we could collaboratively work together to create a safe outdoor space for our YW (young women aged between 16-25yr) where they can engage with nature and integrate with the local community.
The SCGP team generously offered us a complimentary planter in their verdant allotment space and garden as well as the use of their tool shed, potting cabin and community hub. They understood how green spaces can help alleviate the stresses faced by the YW and instead, gently and patiently usher in a slower-paced sense of calmness and peace.
We work together not only to support our YW but to also lead by example and engage with as well as give back to the local community. Our team and YW have volunteered to help paint the allotment's fences, decorate the kids' play space, and clear out the arbour. SAY Women also donated cold water dipping pods and items to help furnish the kids' play area. Together we build each other up!
Living predominantly in urban spaces means that access to natural landscapes can be limited. SAY Women encourage the YW to engage with the events organised by SCGP as well as our own in-house designed events offered through our services such as Community Connector and Group Work.
When the YW first walk into the allotment which includes an orchard featuring a willow tunnel, a wildflower meadow garden, inside and outside seating areas, as well as the main grid of planters, it is with a sense of ease and anticipation of the activity ahead.
So far, we have had planting days, luncheons, arts & crafts, yoga, well being events, community days, cold water dipping, Q&As with local police officers, budgeting workshops and cooking and baking sessions! We are always brainstorming new ideas and the YW are encouraged to come forward with their own suggestions.
With each passing day of sunshine, rain, wind or cloud, with each conversation engaged in, with every hand pitching in to plant bulbs and seeds, paint and sweep, we watch not only the plants come to life and thrive but the women who turn up and embrace the verdant vibrancy of allotment life and what it can do for a spirit in healing.
For more information, images and photos, please check out SAY Women social media on FB, IG, TikTok and Bluesky, #SAYWomen.
