Karen's Story: Growing Confidence in the Community Garden

This summer, Trinity and Coexist Community Kitchen came together once again to run our Gardening & Cooking programme in the Community Garden. Combining Coexist's culinary expertise with Trinity's gardening knowledge, participants spent six weeks cooking with seasonal produce, learning practical growing skills and taking part in nature-based arts activities. The programme was originally developed in response to increasing isolation experienced during the pandemic and continues to provide opportunities for people to connect, learn and spend time outdoors.

One of this year's participants was Karen, who attended the sessions alongside her husband, Matt.
Karen first became involved through Coexist Community Kitchen after being introduced through Diverse and attending other community meals and activities. Although she had heard of Trinity before, she had never visited the space and was surprised to discover the garden tucked away in the city.

"The garden is lovely," she says. "You can be outdoors, learn how to use the fire, cooking outside. I've never cooked outdoors before on the fire." Over six weeks, Karen enjoyed developing new skills, from growing and harvesting vegetables to outdoor cooking and creative activities. She particularly valued learning from the team and spending time in nature."Meeting you guys, doing the art has been amazing. I've really enjoyed that. Just being in nature. Being in the city but in nature."

For Karen, the programme offered more than practical learning. As a carer for Matt, finding spaces where they both feel comfortable can be difficult. She says being able to attend together, and knowing Matt felt safe in the environment, made a huge difference.

"He has come every single week. That's a testament to how safe he feels here."

The sessions also helped Karen build confidence socially."I think there's been a connection to nature, being outdoors, meeting new people. I am quite socially awkward, so to actually chat and to feel safe, because I mask a lot, it's been nice to meet new people."

Alongside new friendships and experiences, Karen has taken away practical knowledge she hopes to use at home, from understanding growing cycles to feeling inspired to make more use of her own garden. 
She would encourage others to get involved."You learn new skills, new things to cook, how to grow things and how to harvest things."

Karen and Matt are now looking forward to getting more involved with Trinity activities, including attending Trinity's AGM, while continuing their connection with Coexist Community Kitchen.
This year's programme concluded with a Harvest Feast, where participants came together with the Coexist and Trinity teams to share food, celebrate the season's harvest and mark the end of the course. The gathering offered a chance to reflect on new skills, friendships and experiences developed over the course, while enjoying a meal prepared as a group.

To find out more about Trinity's Gardening & Cooking programme and other community activities, chick here.