Help Bring the Gateway Hub Southwick Allotments to Life!

At the Gateway Hub in Fishersgate, we believe in neighbours helping neighbours. No judgement, no barriers, no shame – just a community coming together to support each other through whatever life throws our way. Whether it\'s food insecurity, fuel poverty, housing struggles or health and well-being, we stand side by side to make things a little easier – and a little kinder. Now, we’re rolling up our sleeves for our next big project: transforming three allotment plots in Southwick into a thriving, inclusive growing space – and we need some grafters to help make it happen!

Here’s what’s happening: We’ve secured three beautiful side-by-side plots at Southwick Allotments (just a 20-minute walk from the Hub). They’ve got loads of potential – a pond to develop, fruit trees, several sheds, a greenhouse that needs dismantling, and plenty of room for raised beds, accessible paths, a chill-out area, and even a big polytunnel.

The vision? To grow fresh produce for: The Gateway community food shop Our volunteers (because we’re all givers and receivers!) The future Gateway community kitchen, where we’ll cook up shared meals and offer catering training

What we need help with now: Getting the site accessible and ready to use Clearing the site and prepping the ground Laying topsoil, paths and building raised beds Helping to put up the polytunnel (aiming for this Autumn!) Sharing your ideas and input on how we shape the space

When can you help? You can come along regularly (once a week, for example), or join a team that takes on part of the work once plans are in place. Whatever works for you – we’re flexible and happy to chat about it. We’ve got some tools and kit, but if you’ve got any to share (or even donations of materials), we’d be super grateful. This is more than just an allotment. It’s a space for community connection, fresh air, learning, laughing, and looking after each other. And we’d love you to be part of it.

Interested in joining the growing crew? Drop us a message or pop into the Gateway Hub or AVA for a chat.

www.thegatewayhub.org

What skills do I need?

Don’t worry if you’re not a seasoned gardener – we’ll show you what’s what. The main thing we need is enthusiasm, and a willingness to muck in and some hard grafting! Teamwork, collaboration and multi-generational working